“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.” Galatians 5:22-26
Throughout Scripture, we’ve seen the damage anger can do when left unchecked—Cain’s violence, Moses’ disobedience, the warnings of Proverbs, and Paul’s call to put it away. But the goal of the Christian life isn’t just anger management—it’s heart transformation. In Galatians 5, Paul contrasts the “acts of the flesh” (which include fits of rage) with the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness… and self-control.
This isn’t about pretending we’re never angry. It’s about becoming the kind of person who naturally responds to tension with Peace instead of fury. That’s the Spirit’s work in us. Anger doesn’t vanish overnight, but by walking with the Spirit, we begin to see it lose its grip. That’s freedom—not just from anger, but for something better.
“God never said that the journey would be easy, but He did say that the arrival would be worthwhile.” Max Lucado, Traveling Light: Releasing the Burdens You Were Never Meant to Bear
Jesus didn’t just save us from sin. He saved us for wholeness. That includes your temper. That includes the grudge you’ve carried. That includes your reactions when life feels unfair. God wants you whole, not just quiet.
To prayerfully consider: Where do you still need the Holy Spirit’s help to produce peace or patience where anger once ruled? What would a Spirit-led response look like in your hardest relationship?
