When Your Anger Hurts Others

Proverbs 18:21 says, "The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit."

"Words hurt," says Dr. Linda Mintle, "and they hurt deeply. Proverbs 18:21 tells us that the power of life and death is in the tongue. You can devastate people by your words." You must take responsibility for your words and understand the deep and lasting harm that can occur when you speak without thinking.

Are you sometimes shocked and disappointed by the angry words that pop out of your mouth? Perhaps you cringe as you think of a particular moment when you were raging uncontrollably. By now you are probably aware of the damage your anger has inflicted on yourself and on those around you.

"Confession, repentance, and forgiveness are the only ways to deal with anger. You have to confess and repent of sins you have committed as a result of your anger. You have to move back toward God and seek forgiveness from God, yourself, and the other person," says Dr. Robert Abarno.

God will forgive you—just ask in Jesus' name.

"Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, 'I will confess my transgressions to the LORD'—and you forgave the guilt of my sin" (Psalm 32:5).

"I confess my iniquity; I am troubled by my sin" (Psalm 38:18).