Anger by Patrick Morley

7 reasons why we are angry:

1. Violation of rights. everyone believes they have certain rights and 'space' rights. one reaction to the invasion of this space is to fester in anger. when our rights are violated, we become angry. Proverbs 19:11-'A man's wisdom gives him patience, it is to his glory to overlook an offense.'
2. Disappointment with station in life.many people become bitter with anger when they begin to suspect that their 'oyster' does not have the pearl they wanted.many of us need to accept our lot in life as from the Lord, provided we have been faithful with our abilities.
3. Blocked goals. when we are blocked from achieving our goals, for good cause or not, we frequently respond in anger.
   
4. Irritations. Life's little irritations often seem to weigh more heavily on us than our true dilemmas. Ecc 7:9-'do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger resides in the lap of fools.'
5. Feeling misunderstood.we often think people don't understand us: our feelings, our attitudes, our abilities, our potential. they probably don't. but holding a 'pity party' and becoming angry does not help us resolve the misunderstanding
6. Unrealistic expectations.
7. Pathological/psychological.
   

The 7 reasons for anger have 2 common characteristics: selfishness and impatience.
The things that usually don't make us angry but should are racial prejudice, abortion, declining moral values and other injustices.

How to respond to anger:

1. Keep control. Proverbs 29:11-'a fool gives full vent to his anger but a wise man keeps himself under control.'
2. Overlook offenses. Proverbs 19:11-'a man's wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense.'
3. Avoid angry man. Proverbs 22:24-25-'do not make friends with a hot-tempered man, do not associate with one easily angered or you may learn his ways and get yourself ensnared.'
4. Appease anger. Proverbs 15:1-'a gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.'