But where do we begin and how do we fight? After repenting we need to figure out what the opposite of anger is. It is NOT patience. The opposite of anger is actually meekness. Meekness is not a word we use very often. Many believe that meekness means weakness. It doesn’t. It also does not mean, spinelessness or indecisiveness. It does not mean to be polite or timid or even naturally kind and soft spoken.

No matter how just your words may be, you ruin everything when you speak with anger.
Chrysostom

I struggle with anger. I had no idea that this sin lived in my heart until God gave me a family. I am still having a hard time admitting this because all of my life I prided myself on the fact that I was patient and slow to anger. Turns out my patience and longsuffering were never put to the test until I had a family.

I know I am not the only one who is distraught about the anger that can so regularly bubble to the surface of the heart and then overflow into unkind tone of voices and snippy responses.  For some that slow burn irrupts into an all out fit of rage and yelling. Seneca calls anger “a short fit of madness.”

The worst part about anger is that is does not bring about the righteousness of that we desire (James 1:19) Instead it hurts those who are at the receiving end of our anger, disfigures our character,  breeds hatred and distrusts,tears apart relationships, and worst of all dishonors God.

It ruins everything.

[Anger] devours almost all other good emotions. It deadens the soul. It numbs the heart to joy and gratitude and hope and tenderness and compassion and kindness.
John Piper

But where do we begin and how do we fight?

After repenting we need to figure out what the opposite of anger is. It is NOT patience. The opposite of anger is actually meekness.

Meekness is not a word we use very often. Many believe that meekness means weakness. It doesn’t. It also does not mean, spinelessness or indecisiveness. It does not mean to be polite or timid or even naturally kind and soft spoken.

So what is meekness? Warren Wiersbe has said that meekness is power under control. While that is a good and succinct definition I believe we need to say more about it.

Matthew Henry said meekness is a quietness of spirit that calms our raging and deepens our humility. It is a kind of gentleness and self control even when the heart is hot and that requires strength. A weak person cannot be meek.

Now, there are no quick fixes or fast tips to conquering anger and learning meekness. It is a process. One that demands our time, energy, mind, heart. Here are a few things that will leads us down the path of meekness and away from anger.

1. Study Christ

Meekness is not a quality you can muster up on your own. If you try you will fail within a day, a week or a month. The power you and I need to become meek is found in Christ. I know we all like to do lists, but if we want to grow in the character of meekness we need to know what it looks like and the best way to see meekness in action is to study the life of Jesus who was perfectly meek for us.

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