Angry and Good: A Biblical Approach

"Our culture is boiling with anger, and we need some relief. In his typically clear and pithy way, Bert Ghezzi sums up his strategy for defusing anger in any particular situation…" 
—Brandon Vogt, from the foreword of The Angry Christian

At a time when anger runs at a high pitch in our society, Bert Ghezzi offers biblically-based advice that shows us that the best way to handle anger is never to ignore it or try to "suppress" it. The Bible teaches us how to use anger wisely. Anger is good if we engage it to help us do the right thing and if we don't let it escalate out of hand. But it spawns evil if it gets out of control or if we use it for selfish, wrong-headed purposes. Under the power of the Holy Spirit, we can transform our anger into occasions of grace. Over time, we learn how to replace anger with behaviors like patience, endurance, and determination to do the right thing. So, anger used well can fuel our zeal becoming saints and bringing others to Christ and the church.

Some helpful tips from Bert Ghezzi

Dispelling myths about anger
• Anger is always a problem. No, anger is a gift that helps us deal with challenges.
• Anger is always sinful. No, Scripture shows us how to express anger for good purposes.
• Anger cannot change. No, under the power of the Holy Spirit, anger can become an occasion of grace.

The Biblical Approach to Anger
• Be angry (Ephesians 4:26). Express your anger. Don't suppress it.
• But do not sin. Let all rage be put away from you. (Ephesians 4:26, 31). Express is while keeping it under control to help you do good and resist evil.
• Channel your angry reactions into good behaviors such as patience, mercy, and self-control (Colossians 3:12-14; Galatians 5:22-23).

The companion book, The Angry Christian, includes Questions for Discussion and Questions for Personal Reflection and Application.

Bert Ghezzi is a popular author and speaker. He has written twenty books including The Angry Christian, Voices of the Saints, and Mystics and Miracles. He appears frequently on EWTN programs, earned his PhD from the University of Notre Dame, is an active member of St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church, and lives in Altamonte Springs, Florida.