Why Getting Angry Is Good

Anger may be a powerful emotion, but contrary to popular belief, it is not a bad one. It may not feel as warm and fuzzy as love, happiness, or hope, but there are several amazing benefits anger.  Which is why getting angry is good sometimes.  Even Jesus got angry a few times during His time on Earth.

See, anger when managed well is both vital and beneficial for our emotional well-being. It is something that makes us more informed about our values while motivating us to take action. 

Now, I agree the actions aren't always good, which is why most people think anger is bad. But if we begin to see anger as the helpful emotion that it is, it will lead to better behavior every time. If you're ready to find out why getting angry is good and why it happens to everyone, keep reading.

Why Do We Get Angry

Anger can be triggered by many things. Injustice, losing patience and feeling disrespected or unappreciated are the most common triggers, but there are many more. 

We could also get angry when faced with traumatic situations, insensitive people, or unmet expectations. What triggers anger in us can also be very unique, and how we manage that anger is very personal, so the reasons and reactions often vary. 

In some cases, mental disorders, such as bipolar disorder, can cause anger as well.

Benefits Of Anger 

As mentioned above, despite its negative connotations, getting angry is good for you and your emotional well-being. 

Here are seven of the most significant benefits associated with anger.

1. Anger Indicates And Regulates Our Personal Values

In Mark 3:5, we see Jesus getting angry with the Pharisees due to the hardness of their hearts. He was angry that they cared more about their rules and regulations than they did about people. 

Jesus values people, He values compassion, and He values healing at any time and any place. His anger at that moment was an indication of what He valued.

Similarly, when we are faced with situations that don't align with our values, we will also get angry. The good thing is that being angry at that moment will not only remind us of what we truly value but also motivate us to fix what is wrong in our world.

2. Anger Helps Us To Survive Both The World And The Attacks Of The Enemy

According to scientific research, our primal 'fight' response stems from anger. This emotion is ingrained in our primitive need to protect ourselves and our loved ones from danger. For this reason, it tends to sharpen our focus and activate the strength that we need to defend ourselves. 

So whether we're being emotionally, spiritually, or physically attacked, anger will give us the courage we need to respond. God gave us every emotion for a reason, this is one of the biggest reasons we feel anger.

3. Anger Encourages Us To Solve Problems

If we feel like things are not the way they are supposed to be, our anger can encourage us to make a change. For example, if you are angry at your boss for an injustice being done to your coworkers, your anger will drive you to find a way to solve the problem.

The same can be done for major issues like homeless or gun violence. This is because being angry automatically makes us feel more optimistic about our capacity to change the situation. It helps us to take action and move from an unpleasant situation to a pleasant one. So, if something is making you angry, look for the purpose in it. 

4.  Anger Can Push Us Towards Our Goals

Most people get angry when they don't get what they want, despite working so hard. This type of anger pushes us to find other ways or work harder to achieve our goals.

It also makes us more aware of our shortcomings and when looked at more constructively, it can lead to positive outcomes in our lives and relationships.

5.  Anger Gives Us A Sense Of Control

Anger is associated with our deep need for control as human beings. Being angry usually drives us to protect what is ours, thus helping us feel less helpless and more in control.

This sense of control then enables us to take charge and do the best we can instead of blaming God or others for our situation. 

6. Anger Augments Cooperation

Sometimes people do wrong things without even realizing what they are doing. Being angry in a situation like this may actually alert the person and if they respond well, it could increase cooperation.

Standing up for yourself or for others in a constructive way is never wrong. You are angry for a reason, and expressing yourself might just be all it takes to change everything.

7. Anger Develops Emotional Intelligence

Anger is good, but it is still a difficult emotion to deal with. If not managed correctly, it can either makes us aggressive or anxious. Knowing this and being willing to embrace it anyway is a sign of emotional intelligence. 

When someone is emotionally intelligent, they do not resist negative thoughts or emotions. Instead, they welcome it with curiousness and caution. People who practice this usually become emotionally stronger as a result. 

How To Manage Anger?

There are two ways one can deal with anger and a few ways to manage it. Anger is usually outwardly expressed and if not, it is inwardly suppressed. Both ways of dealing with it have good and bad extremes, so it is incredibly important to learn how to manage your anger. Here are a few ways you can do just that.

Pray - Prayer should always be our first response. If something makes you angry pray and ask God for the wisdom to deal with it in a way that is pleasing to Him.

Keep Calm - Try relaxation techniques to calm yourself down. One way to do it is to  practice deep breathing. You can repeat something calming with each breath, like "take it easy" for example. 

Restructure Your Thoughts - When you are angry it's easy to become dramatic about the situation. At this time, it's important to think rationally. Take some time to try and rationalize the situation before you respond to it. 

Communicate Wisely - Suppressing your anger is not good for your health but expressing it in the wrong way isn't good either.  Both ways can cause a lot of unnecessary stress, so it's important to manage your anger and communicate wisely.  If your anger was caused by a person, take some time out, calm down, and then talk to them. If it was a situation, think of some ways you can solve the problem or make a difference.

Visit A Therapist - If you've tried everything and you are still unable to manage your anger or see the positive side of it. It may be best to go see a  mental health professional. Your therapist will engage you in anger management sessions or talk therapy depending on your needs. This alone will enable you to have a more positive reaction to anger.

Remember, God gave us all of our emotions and each one is there for a reason. Our anger is there because it is necessary for our survival, for our motivation, and for making a difference in this beautiful yet chaotic world that God so loves.

Additional Resources to Help You Learn Why Getting Angry Is Good

If you are looking for additional reading materials to help you, your child or someone else understand why getting angry is sometime good, check out our recommendations below.  

For ChildrenFor AdultsFor AdultsFor Parents

About the Author: 
 Corine Williams, Ph.D. is Clinical Psychologist that is currently seeing clients in the States of Maryland, New Jersey, and New York. You can find out more about her practice by visiting www.therapyforchristians.com/corinewilliams. In addition to providing individual therapy, Dr. Williams is also passionate about writing books and designing merchandise that educate, uplift, and normalize mental health subject in the Christian community. You can find out more about her at  www.booksbycorine.com or by visiting her amazon profile here:  https://www.amazon.com/Corine-Hyman/e/B00AWZ5FL2

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