Refrain from anger and turn from wrath. (Psalm 37:8)

Husbands and wives become angry at each other for many reasons, ranging from nitpicky differences that can annoy to major issues that can destroy. One key adjustment for any married couple going through a difficult time is learning how to deal with feelings, such as anger, and learning how to work together toward a solution that is mutually beneficial.

In the Bible, there are many instances in which people who loved one another became angry with each other. Anger is part of being human. Yet we often feel the need to place the cause of those feelings on other people.

Understanding how to handle anger is a key aspect of marital communication. One way to initiate conversation about a situation that has resulted in angry feelings is to simply talk about how you feel without blaming each other.

The Bible stresses the importance of dealing with anger as clearly, quickly and lovingly as possible. Yet so often we can explode with heated words or seethe with cold silence, withdrawal or indifference. Unexpressed anger or poorly expressed anger can lead us to sin in word or deed. We may say things in anger that we might regret later or do things to cause emotional damage or even physical harm.

How do we prevent sin, pain and hurt from a sudden outburst of anger?
We need to learn how to be angry without sinning against each other. (Ephesians 4:26)

It’s tough to take a time-out when we’re mad- but if we do, and use that time in a prayerful way, we can work things through without sinning.

LET’S TALK

• What have been some past issues that have led to anger in our relationship?
• What types of situations currently make us so angry with each other that we trip into sin? What kinds of sin do we commit?
• How could each of us do a better job of handling our anger? Do we need to be more willing to express anger? To take a time-out?

May this devotion be a blessing tool to manage anger in a righteous way to build our marriage!