Anger shows up fast, but its roots run deep. Scripture reminds us, “Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger,” (Ephesians 4:26 ESV). The real work is asking, “What is beneath my anger?” Often it hides fear, hurt, pride, or something we’re desperately trying to protect.

In Jeremiah 45, God reveals to Baruch, prophet Jeremiah’s scribe, that his frustration came from defending his own expectations. In the same way, we can ask: “What am I defending? Why has this become so important to me?” These questions open the door for God to speak.

The next step is to become God-filled. We invite God into the very place anger rises. Instead of filling the moment with justification, we ask Him to show us what He sees and to give us the ability to release whatever is the root of our anger.

Finally, we choose grace. Scripture warns about letting a “bitter root” grow (Hebrews 12:15). Grace and bitterness cannot coexist. Jesus said, “It is finished.” The debt is paid…my debt and the debt of the one that is the target of my anger.

Holding bitterness is like keeping an account open that God already closed. It only makes us poorer, not freer.

Anger may come, but it doesn’t have to own us. Awareness brings truth. God’s presence brings peace. Grace brings freedom!