Warning Signs of Anger

In Ephesians 4:26, Paul clearly states that we are “Not to sin our anger” God has given us four warning signs of anger to help us avoid sinning  in our anger. These warning signs typically show us how we behave differently when we are angry.

The first warning sign is how we are physically different when we are angry. This warning sign can be indicated as a rise in heart rate, shallow breathing, muscles flexing, or skin getting warmer.

The second warning sign is our thought pattern. How do our thoughts change as we approach anger? We may have thoughts that are destructive to the relationship. We may allow the enemy to attack us in ways that cause us to grieve the Holy Spirit. This can cause our thoughts to turn to Inner Vows? First taught by the Sanfords, Inner Vows are vows that are made on the battlefield of our mind that are often driven by the enemy. An example of an Inner Vow may be thinking, “I will never love you again.”

The third warning sign is our emotions. As our anger grows, our feelings grow as well. We may feel hurt or frustrated, afraid or anxious. Awareness of our feelings is an important step toward healthy management of anger. If we become aware of this warning sign, we can then ask God to help us communicate that awareness.

The fourth warning sign is our behavior. Our behavior may begin to change as we get angry. For some people it may be clenched fists. For others it may be stomping around the house. Yet others may be slamming doors. When we sense a change in our behavior, it is important to retreat bring it to Jesus. By praying about it we can avoid giving the devil a foothold. (Eph.4: 27) With a foothold the devil will wreak havoc in our relationships and attempt to destroy them. If we “Come to Him when we are weary and burdened” (Mt. 11:28) we can be delivered from the weariness and burden of anger, bitterness and rage. By doing this we will glorify Him in our relationships.

It is important to begin to recognize these signs in our own lives. Everyone may not necessarily experience all four of these signs, but if we begin to sense even one of them, it is a signal to step back, assess the situation, and take it to God, before we begin to sin in our anger.