A hot-tempered man stirs up dissension, but a patient man calms a quarrel. Proverbs 15:18

This week we are looking at how to manage emotions during a conflict.

Our contemporary Western culture often proclaims the error that “venting” anger to the other party in a harsh, confrontational way is acceptable; but that is not the biblical way. It is not that one should never feel angry in a conflict; the feeling of anger is in itself neutral. It is how anger is expressed which is at issue.

The Apostle Paul says we are permitted to be angry but not to sin (Eph 4:26). Anger can be expressed firmly, even passionately, in a conflict, but should not be used to denigrate, bully, or manipulate the other party.

Think about the time Jesus was angry at the marketeering going on in the Temple. Is there any time that anger is justified? How often do we think we are justified in being angry when really we just wanted an excuse to lash out at the other person?

• As you reflect on this week's devotional topic, discuss how this might relate to you and your own spiritual journey.