Everyone can recall the unpleasant experience of being around an angry person. Today, I thought I’d brainstorm how we might respond to angry people. (We are assuming we are NOT the angry person.)

Typically, the worst way to respond to an angry person is with more anger. Resist the urge. It usually makes matters worse. This is also NOT the time to try and use reason. Emotions are too hot to engage in a rational conversation.

So, let’s begin by peeking in Proverbs. “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger” (15:1). Try to keep your volume down and your tone respectful and calm. This is probably not the time to share your opinion. It may help to show empathy and try to relate to their point of view or understand their circumstances.

Other times, it’s best not to say anything at all. Just, zip it! Perhaps, the best thing you can do is give the angry person some alone time and space to cool off. This may be an opportunity to put yourself in a ‘time out’ so you don’t escalate the problem and so that you can take some time alone with God.

Be still and go to the Lord in prayer. Dump your emotions, hurts, confusion, and mistakes on Him first. Take time to seek God’s wisdom, guidance, and peace.

Finally, be aware. Is there a need you can help meet, an act of love that will help smooth things over? Remember, “Love covers over a multitude of sins” (1 Peter 4:8b). Jesus’s half-brother summed it up well, “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry” (James 1:19).

Let’s aim to live by those words.