Have you heard of the church brawl that left 40 people dead? In 1846, two different Christian denominations wanted to hold their Easter service in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, built over the spot where Jesus died and rose. Since both couldn’t get what they wanted, their anger exploded into a brawl where “holy men” did very unholy things. Priests grabbed crosses off the altars and candlesticks to bludgeon their enemies. Some smuggled guns under their robes and fired them into the angry mob. By the time law enforcement showed up, 40 bodies lay dead in the place where Jesus died.

Yikes. This sad-but-true story reminds us that anger can be an issue even in the church. Despite your faith in Jesus, you might be an angry person who raises your voice often, gets into arguments frequently, or even punches or threatens in your worst moments of rage.

This is no laughing matter. So what should you do? “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice” (Ephesians 4:31). Don’t manage your anger. Get rid of it. Get aggressive in addressing this part of your personality. Confess that sin to your pastor. Ask friends for accountability. Seek professional counseling.

And remember Jesus. His disciples James and John had issues with anger, but he both chose and changed them. His patience with sinners and his grace on the cross had a profound impact on these hotheaded men. 

I pray that Jesus’ love has the same effect on you.