Struggling to control your emotions, especially anger, can feel overwhelming and isolating.
Maybe you find yourself reacting quickly, holding grudges, or feeling out of control. God’s love is patient and powerful enough to meet you in your emotions and help you find peace and self-control.
“I used to let anger control my life. As I started to chew on God’s love, I learned to respond with grace and patience instead of reacting in frustration.”
How to Use This Resource
- Grab a journal.
- After each section, pause and write out your answers. Don’t rush—let yourself go deep.
- When you run out of answers, ask a new CHEW question, ask a trusted friend, or look up what wise Christians say about your question.
- At the end, you’ll find a 7-Day CHEW Challenge and ways to connect with others for support.
Step 1: Get Honest About Your Emotional Struggles
- When do I find it hardest to control my anger or emotions? (stress, conflict, feeling misunderstood, frustration, injustice, etc.)
- What physical or emotional signs do I notice when anger rises? (tight chest, clenched fists, irritability, impatience, etc.)
- What do I believe about myself, others, or God in those moments? (I have to defend myself, I’m justified in my anger, God doesn’t care, I’m alone)
Step 2: Identify the Core Need Beneath the Anger
- What am I really longing for right now? (peace, respect, justice, understanding, control, love)
- What lie am I tempted to believe about God, myself, or others? (God is distant, I have to handle this alone, anger is the only way to be heard)
Step 3: Match Your Struggle to a Characteristic of God’s Love
God’s love for you is:
- Patient and slow to anger (Psalm 103:8; James 1:19)
- Peace-giving and calming (John 14:27; Philippians 4:7)
- Just and righteous (Psalm 7:11; Romans 12:19)
- Gentle and forgiving (Ephesians 4:32; Colossians 3:13)
- Present and comforting (Psalm 34:18; Isaiah 41:10)
- Transforming and renewing (2 Corinthians 5:17; Romans 12:2)
Step 4: CHEW Questions for Emotional and Anger Struggles
Write out your answers in detail—don’t stop until you can’t think of any more. When you run out, try a new question, ask a friend, or look up biblical resources. Check out an example of what this looks like here.
Patient & Slow to Anger
- If I really believed God is patient with me, how would that change my reactions when I feel anger rising?
- If I really believed God is slow to anger, how would that change my desire to respond quickly or harshly?
- If I really believed God’s patience is a model for me, how would that change my interactions with others?
Peace-Giving & Calming
- If I really believed God’s peace is available to me, how would that change my feelings of frustration or agitation?
- If I really believed Jesus gives me peace, how would that change my response to conflict?
- If I really believed God’s love calms my heart, how would that change my inner dialogue when I’m upset?
Just & Righteous
- If I really believed God is just, how would that change my need to seek revenge or hold grudges?
- If I really believed God will right wrongs in His time, how would that change my impatience?
- If I really believed God’s justice is perfect, how would that change my trust in His timing?
Gentle & Forgiving
- If I really believed God is gentle with my faults, how would that change my self-criticism when I lose control?
- If I really believed God forgives me, how would that change my willingness to forgive others?
- If I really believed God’s love calls me to forgive, how would that change my relationships?
Present & Comforting
- If I really believed God is near when I’m struggling, how would that change my sense of loneliness or isolation?
- If I really believed God comforts me in my anger, how would that change my prayers?
- If I really believed God’s presence is a refuge, how would that change my response to stress?
Transforming & Renewing
- If I really believed God can change my heart, how would that change my hope for growth?
- If I really believed God renews my mind, how would that change my thoughts about anger?
- If I really believed God’s Spirit empowers me, how would that change my ability to respond with grace?
Step 5: Meditate, Pray, and Apply
- Reflect on a key verse:
“Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger.” —Ephesians 4:26
Pause and pray: “God, help me to manage my anger in a way that honors You. Teach me patience and grace.” - Let God’s Word shape your thinking and heart:
- Write the verse on a card or your phone.
- Chew on your CHEW question when anger arises, or adjust your CHEW question to meet you where you are.
- Ask God to help you trust His promise and respond with His love.
Step 6: 7-Day CHEW Challenge
- Pick one CHEW question each day.
- Journal your answers, going as deep as you can.
- Share one insight with a trusted friend or CHEW group.
- Pray and ask God to help you believe and live out His truth.
Transparency Note: This resource is crafted in collaboration with advanced AI tools and thoughtfully finalized by the 1st Principle Group staff to ensure biblical faithfulness and practical relevance for our readers.
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