Anger Management For Christians - Supportive Books That Can Help
Anger is a complex and often misunderstood emotion, especially when it comes to marriage. It can be a response to what we deem as an injustice, an unmet expectation, a perceived act of disrespect, or an indicator of something deeper within our hearts.
As Christians, we’re called to manage anger in ways that reflect Christ, but that’s easier said than done. Fortunately, there are many Christian books on anger that dive into the roots of anger and provide tools for handling it in a way that honors God and brings inner peace. Here are ten (10) powerful books to guide you on that journey.
NOTE: Some of these books are from authors I’ve actually had the privilege to interview on our top-rated podcast, Real Men Connect.
Christian Books on Anger - Management Tips From A Biblical Perspective
1. The Heart of Anger: Practical Help for the Prevention and Cure of Anger in Children by Lou Priolo
While this book is geared primarily toward parents, it’s beneficial for anyone wanting to understand the origins of anger and how it manifests from childhood. Lou Priolo offers insights into the roots of anger and provides practical steps for transforming it into something constructive. His advice on how to address anger with children is based on biblical principles, making it a great resource for parents and educators alike.
2. Good and Angry: Redeeming Anger, Irritation, Complaining, and Bitterness by David Powlison
David Powlison tackles a wide range of emotions that often accompany or fuel anger. Good and Angry doesn’t just ask us to suppress anger; it shows us how to use it in positive, God-honoring ways. Powlison digs into the Bible for examples of righteous anger and provides guidance on how Christians can redeem their anger, using it as a force for good in their lives and relationships.
3. Anger: Handling a Powerful Emotion in a Healthy Way by Gary Chapman
Gary Chapman, best known for The 5 Love Languages, offers a comprehensive look at anger in this insightful book. Chapman teaches readers how to process anger without letting it turn into resentment or bitterness. Through practical examples and Scripture-based advice, he shows how to navigate anger constructively, allowing it to deepen relationships rather than harm them. A great follow up book after you read this one, is Gary Chapman’s, “The 5 Apology Languages.” I think it's a perfect supplement to Anger.
4. When Anger Hurts: Quieting the Storm Within by Matthew McKay, Peter D. Rogers, and Judith McKay
This book approaches anger from both a psychological and spiritual perspective, offering exercises and practical tips for managing and reducing anger. Although it’s not strictly Christian, When Anger Hurts provides helpful techniques that align with biblical teachings on peace, patience, and forgiveness. For readers who struggle with habitual anger, this book’s actionable strategies can be life changing.
5. Anger: Taming a Powerful Emotion by Tim LaHaye
In this excellent book, Tim LaHaye explores the psychological and spiritual causes of anger and provides a biblical framework for taming it. LaHaye addresses common triggers and gives insight into how anger affects our relationships and well-being. His approach to anger is deeply rooted in Scripture, making this a great resource for Christians who want to align their emotional health with the word of God.
6. Unoffendable: How Just One Change Can Make All of Life Better by Brant Hansen
Brant Hansen’s Unoffendable challenges the notion that we have the right to hold onto anger. Instead, he encourages readers to embrace forgiveness and let go of offenses, reflecting God’s grace and patience. Through humor and honesty, Hansen explores the biblical perspective on offense and invites Christians to let go of anger and replace it with peace and compassion.
7. The Peacemaker: A Biblical Guide to Resolving Personal Conflict by Ken Sande
While The Peacemaker covers a broad range of topics related to conflict resolution, it’s incredibly useful for anyone dealing with anger. Ken Sande shows readers how to apply biblical principles to resolve conflicts and mend relationships. He explores the connection between anger and forgiveness and provides practical tools for reconciling with others in a Christ-centered way.
8. Overcoming Emotions that Destroy: Practical Help for Those Angry Feelings that Ruin Relationships by Chip Ingram and Becca Johnson
Chip Ingram and Becca Johnson dig into the ways anger can destroy relationships and our spiritual health if left unchecked. This book is packed with real-life examples and offers a step-by-step approach to addressing and healing from anger. The authors explore both the emotional and spiritual aspects of anger, making it a valuable resource for Christians who want to transform anger into something positive.
9. Boundaries: When to Say Yes, How to Say No to Take Control of Your Life by Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend
While not exclusively about anger, Boundaries addresses one of the core issues that often leads to anger—personal boundaries. Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend explain how to set healthy limits with others, which is essential for avoiding anger and frustration. For those whose anger often stems from feeling overwhelmed or taken advantage of, this book provides the tools to establish boundaries rooted in self-respect and love.
10. Total Forgiveness by R.T. Kendall
One of my all-time favorite books, R.T. Kendall’s Total Forgiveness examines how unresolved anger often stems from a lack of forgiveness. Kendall challenges readers to forgive deeply and completely, as Jesus did, and to release resentment that can fester into anger. Through biblical insights and personal stories, Total Forgiveness guides readers toward a life free of grudges, bitterness, and the heavy burden of anger.
Anger Is A Common Emotion. Yes, Even As A Christian!
Each of these books provides valuable insights into understanding, managing, and even redeeming anger. While anger is often seen as a “negative” emotion, it’s also one of the most human experiences and can be a powerful force for positive change when handled well. For Christians, learning to manage anger is an essential part of spiritual growth and a testament to the transforming power of God’s love and grace.
Whether you’re struggling with anger in your own life or looking to support someone else, these books offer practical, faith-centered guidance. By rooting our emotional lives in Scripture and applying biblical wisdom, we can learn to navigate anger in ways that bring us closer to God and others, ultimately reflecting Christ’s love and patience in everything we do.
If you need help along your journey to breaking free from anger, please reach out to us for support. Because a man is only as strong as his team, and we would love for you to be part of ours. Just use the link below to set up a FREE Breakthrough Call with me: http://TalkwithDrJoe.com
