How to Overcome Anger Before It Controls You | Prayer, Fasting & the Christian Life

About this sermon

Anger can feel justified—even righteous. But when anger is left unchecked, it can begin to control us. In this powerful Christian reflection, we look at Christ’s healing of the afflicted boy and His teaching that certain spiritual battles can only be overcome through **prayer and fasting**. The passions—anger, pride, lust, greed, gluttony, sloth, and others—can distort our natural desires and lead us away from Christ. Anger in particular can grow into impatience, judgment, resentment, hostility, and even hatred. But Christ offers us another way. The Christian response to anger begins with **repentance, prayer, self-control, forgiveness, and fasting**. When anger rises, we can step away, turn to Scripture, choose silence, pray for those who hurt us, bless our enemies, and ask God to soften our hearts. The saints show us what this transformation looks like. St. Stephen the Protomartyr responded to persecution not with vengeance, but with forgiveness and prayer for those who killed him. Prayer lifts our hearts and minds toward God. Fasting teaches self-control. Together, they help us fight the passions and become more like Christ. The goal is not simply to become less angry—it is to be **transformed into the likeness of Christ**. When reviled, we can bless. When persecuted, we can endure. When hurt, we can forgive. 00:00 Light, Heat, Friction & the Christian Life 00:25 Christ Heals the Afflicted Son 01:12 Why Could the Disciples Not Cast It Out? 01:28 The Power of Prayer and Fasting 02:01 Christ Continues His Healing Through the Church 02:38 The Passions and Our Need for Healing 03:41 The Passion of Anger 04:08 When Righteous Anger Becomes Sinful 05:00 St. John Chrysostom’s Warning About Anger 05:56 St. Basil: Anger as Short-Lived Insanity 06:30 Christ Offers Healing From Anger 07:13 Forgiveness and “Do Not Let the Sun Go Down” 07:39 What to Do When You Become Angry 08:05 Choose Silence Instead of Retaliation 08:15 Bless Those Who Speak Against You 08:26 How to Overcome a Grudge 09:04 Cooperating With Christ’s Healing 09:16 St. Stephen’s Example of Radical Forgiveness 10:04 Overcoming the Passions Is a Lifelong Battle 10:27 Fasting and Preparation for the Feast 11:08 “Heal Me…of the Sickness Which the Passions Bring” 11:26 Why Prayer and Fasting Belong Together 11:41 Fasting Teaches Self-Control 12:04 Bless When Reviled, Endure When Persecuted 12:18 Freedom From the Fire of Anger 12:32 Closing Prayer 13:07 Join the Faithful For more please visit https://www.youtube.com/@stjohnmelkite & say 3 Hail Marys for the priest 🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴 ✝️ SUPPORT THE MISSION 🙏 Donate https://sensusfidelium.com/donate-support/ 📬 Free Catholic Newsletter https://sensusfidelium.com/newsletter/ 📰 Read on Substack https://sensusfidelium.substack.com/ ──────────────────── 📺 WATCH & READ 📺 Sensus Fidelium App https://sensusfidelium.tv/ 📚 Sensus Fidelium Press https://sensusfideliumpress.com/ 👕 Official Merchandise https://sensusfidelium.com/merchandise/ ──────────────────── 🤝 PARTNER WITH US 📣 Advertise on Sensus Fidelium https://sensusfidelium.com/advertise-with-sensus-fidelium/ 🎤 Invite Steve Cunningham to Speak https://sensusfidelium.com/speaking/ ⛪ Parish Formation & Consultation https://sensusfidelium.com/for-parishes/ ──────────────────── 🌎 CATHOLIC COMMUNITY ✝️ Trusted Catholic Businesses https://sensusfidelium.com/catholic-businesses/ 🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴 #Christianity #JesusChrist #Prayer #Fasting #Anger #Forgiveness #SpiritualWarfare #ChristianLife #SelfControl #Repentance #SaintStephen #ChurchFathers #ChristianMotivation #ChristianTeaching #PrayerAndFasting

Topics

• Prayer
• Anger
• Fasting
• Christian Living
• Overcoming Obstacles