We now have a new nature and should conduct ourselves accordingly. The acts of the “flesh” are no longer to be a part of us. One important goal is to eliminate sinful habits and behaviors and instead take on those that are acceptable to God. His letters to the churches all include an explanation of what it means to live a godly life. He urged Christians to live in a manner worthy of their calling (Eph. Considering other people’s perspectives keeps the thinking brain going, creating more flexible outlooks and maintaining connectedness with others.The apostle Paul wrote extensively about the character and conduct of believers. As much as we’re overtaken by the righteousness of our mind-set, anger can blind us to different ways others view the same situation. When feeling angry at someone, it is useful to consider why that particular dynamic generates such unpleasantness. Thinking about what lies behind anger can help us feel less at its mercy and provide insight as to what other emotions we may be trying to avoid. For instance, we might feel pressured, exposed, belittled, anxious or powerless, and anger can cover up these unpleasant states, giving us a sense of power - fragile as it may be. There is often a context to anger, whether directed at ourselves, another person or a situation. Controlled breathing can limit respiratory rate, improve mood, lower stress hormone levels, decrease physical unease and help us think more calmly, improving recruitment of brain areas that process emotions. Try slowing your breathing down, with long in-breaths and out-breaths (timing each helps maintain a rhythm and sense of stillness). High emotions can push us to have quick, shallow breaths, feeding into our distress. The only vital sign over which we have more immediate control is breathing. Map out the progression of your anger by identifying cues in the body, mind and environment signaling it’s time to step back before things worsen. Hard as it is to consider in the heat of the moment, acting aggressively - as cathartic as it might feel - is often not worth it. Find a space where the ability to think can be recovered.

Getting in touch with your anger