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For too many years of my life, I walked around with a boulder-sized chip on my shoulder. Upset. Frustrated. Ready to lash out at anyone who tried to knock it off. Anger became my default. The bad part is I didn’t even know why I was so angry.

My attitude, actions, and words hurt a lot of other people, but the person I hurt most was myself.

One writer says, “Prolonged anger releases toxic chemicals into your body that elevate your blood pressure, create cholesterol, and increase your risk of stroke and heart attack” (from The Word for You Today).

I once heard someone say that holding on to anger is like drinking poison and waiting for the other person to die.

But the greatest source of truth—the Bible—says, “The anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God.” Instead, it steals our joy. Robs our peace. Alienates us from others. Causes us to dislike ourselves. Breaks down our health. And most importantly, affects our relationship with the Lord.

Being angry is no way to live, especially when we continually blame others instead of taking responsibility for ourselves. I learned that the hard way. I also learned that God not only gives us a choice, He will always help us make the right one when we ask. The choice to act (in love) rather than react (in anger). The choice to forgive. To be kind. To show mercy and grace. To not allow ourselves to become offended.

If you’re angry, make the choice to let it go. It’s not worth the price you have to pay. And remember … you’re mostly hurting yourself.