What About Button Pushers? // Achieving Relational Sanity [Part 1]

“When you get angry do not sin…” Ephesians 4:26 (NCV)

“A fool is quick-tempered, but a wise person stays calm when insulted.” Prov. 12:16 (NLT) 

WAYS PEOPLE EXPRESS ANGER…

• LASHING .

“…Cain became furious and he scowled in anger. Genesis 4:5 (GNT)

“…Cain suggested to his brother, ‘Let’s go out into the fields.’ And while they were together there, Cain attacked and killed his brother.” Genesis 4:8 (TLB)

• HOLDING IT .

“… I stayed by myself and was filled with anger. Why do I keep on suffering?  Why are my wounds incurable?  Why won’t they heal…” Jeremiah 15:17-18 (GNT)

• BECOMING THE MARTYR.

 “But the elder brother became angry and deeply resentful and was not willing to go in (to party); and his father come out and began pleading with him.” Luke 15:28 (AMP)

• BECOMING THE MANIPULATOR  

“The enemies of Jesus were wild with rage and began to plot his murder.” Luke 6:11 (TLB)

HOW TO OFFSET YOUR BUTTON-PUSHERS…

1. DETERMINE the cost of anger.

“An angry person causes trouble, and a person with a quick temper sins a lot.” Proverbs 29:22 (NCV) 

“Hot tempers cause arguments…” Proverbs 15:18 (GN)

“People with hot tempers do foolish things.” Proverbs 14:17 (GN)

2. Look past their WORDS to their PAIN. 

“A man’s wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense.” Prov. 19:11 (NIV)

“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Romans 12:21 (NIV)

3. Think before REACTING. 

“A fool gives full vent to anger, but a wise person quietly holds it back.” Proverbs 29:11 (NLT) 

“A gentle answer quiets anger, but a harsh one stirs it up.”  Proverbs 15:1 (TEV) 

4. Base your identity in JESUS.

“The fear of human opinion disables you; but trusting in God protects you from that.” Prov. 29:25 (MSG)