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Anger & Stress Management God's Way
Anger and stress may be commonplace, but they are still destroyers that will cause devastating harm if left unchecked. By God's grace, however, no one needs to be overcome by ungodly anger or stress. Experienced and internationally respected biblical counselor Wayne Mack shows how to apply God's Word to finding true and authoritative help, explaining principles that can be adopted for lasting positive change. Includes study questions and evaluation materials.
144 pages, Paperback
First published August 22, 2007
70 people are currently reading
254 people want to read
About the author
Wayne A. Mack
54 books34 followersWayne Mack lives in Pretoria, South Africa, where he serves as a pastor-elder with his son-in-law and teaches biblical counseling at Strengthening Ministries Training Institute to pastors and aspiring pastors in the region. He also spends about six weeks in the USA teaching at various churches. He and his wife, Carol, have four adult children and numerous grandchildren.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
July 30, 2021
Thoroughly biblical and extremely practical, this is a very helpful resource in dealing with the everyday problems that everyone struggles with to one degree or another. One of the most helpful discussions are Mack’s thoughts on our “rights” and how seeking to claim them makes our lives more difficult, and how we should surrender our rights to the Lord.
January 13, 2026
straightforward, helpful, and practical. doesn't go into greater depths of the heart functional idolatry like Powlison does in his book so this could come off as simplistic. but if the biblical counsel from this book is followed by someone- all of us- who struggle with anger, then much progress would be made in getting us going in the right direction.
December 16, 2020
Helpful overview of anger with some very practical steps to take to overcome anger and look more like Jesus. This book contains the best description/discussion on “rights” and how anger results when our “rights” are violated. The discussion on stress is also very practical and useful.
March 23, 2024
A good little book on stress and anxiety. Nothing bad, but nothing stood out as overly incredible about the book.
July 27, 2017
Book Review - Anger & Stress Management God's Way by Wayne A. Mack
I'm always a bit nervous when I see a book title with the phrase "God's Way" in it -- and there have been many of these over the years! Perhaps it's just me, but when authors pull the "God's Way" card, I feel as if they are cutting off any form of dialogue and insisting that they have the final infallible say on the matter. I'm not entirely sure if they are claiming that they have God's endorsement on their words (I don't believe this is the case), or if by "god's way" they mean something else that is just simply beyond my understanding. Those of you who know me know that I absolutely believe in objective truth and that there is one true meaning to scripture, but I am also an ardent believer in dialogue and in the process of working out the meaning of scripture along side a multitude of counsel. What if I happen to disagree with the author's particular interpretation of a passage? Does that mean that I am somehow out of the bounds of orthodoxy? Needless to say this has become a pet peeve of mine because I simply don't know how to respond or how to disagree without feeling as if somewhere, someone is going to jump out of the shadows and tell me what a horrible Christian I am. This is where Christian charity comes in and we have to assume the best about the authors (they are not claiming infallibility) while at the same time being bold when we disagree. We must affirm that disagreeing with an author is not the same as disagreeing with God himself! All of this aside, the one thing that I always look for in any book is whether or not it clearly and accurately prescribes the gospel as the one and only effective solution to the problem at hand. It is here that Wayne Mack's latest book Anger & Stress Management God's Way really shines. If nothing else can be said about this book, it is that Mack relies heavily upon the gospel to transform our anger and not upon our own efforts -- and yet so much more can be said because this truly is a great book!
In Anger & Stress Management God's Way , Wayne Mack begins by affirming that sometimes it is okay to be angry. There is such a thing as being good and angry. However, this is not as common as we might assume and more often than not our anger rises out of sin that is deep within us. In order to help discern the difference, Mack goes on to give five things that we can look for to help us know if we are sinning in our anger. These five traits can be summarized as a lack of forgiveness (holding onto wrongs, fretting, retaliation, etc), being dishonest about our anger, and transferring our anger to another person. Mack then moves on to helping us learn to deal with anger in such a way that we do not sin in our anger. Mack identifies two ways in which scripture teaches us to not sin in our anger. The first is to deal with our anger on an ongoing basis. The second way is to realize that despite the fact that we might be angry, we are always in control of how we respond. This can be difficult when our anger is stirred by another person, but Mack goes on to give two ways to handle offenses. The first is to overlook the offense and the second is to approach them privately to begin a Matthew 18 resolution. Both of these sections are full of good practical ways to help us deal with on offense in a righteous manner. In all of this, Mack is careful to not present his counsel in such a way that it leads to moralism. I really appreciate this about the book because this is precisely what differentiates Anger & Stress Management God's Way as a Christian book and not simply another self-help book. Wayne Mack is a master at revealing how these issues are a reflection of our heart and that the only lasting solution is a new heart. At the same time, he doesn't allow this approach to produce a hands-off approach in which the angry person simply lets go exerting no effort while waiting for God to simply remove the anger. To end the discussion on anger, Mack really begins to dig deep into the heart as he offers six questions that help us to turn our anger from a destructive to a constructive force. Far from being a prescription, these six questions lead the reader into the deep recesses of the heart in order to expose those areas which need to be sanctified. The focus isn't on the behavior but on knowing and identifying issues of the heart.
Next Mack turns to the second (related) topic in the book --stress. Here he turns the mirror back to our hearts and shows us that stress comes from a lack of belief when we encounter the various things that trigger our stress. He shows the natural and spiritual consequences of stress, and offers two solutions to manage our stress. The first is to intentionally choose to trust in God's sovereignty, and the second is to intentionally choose to give thanks to God in every circumstance. Again, like the previous section on anger, Mack leaves no room for the rugged individual who is going to overcome his stress apart from the transforming work of the Spirit within us.
Overall I have to admit that I was very impressed with Anger & Stress Management God's Way , and Wayne Mack's determined focus on the gospel as the means to transform the heart. This is why in the few areas where I may differ with Mack I do not see a need to make an issue of it. If we turn to the Christ to transform us through the gospel of his word we cannot go wrong. While brothers may disagree from time to time on minutia, we should not disagree on the transformative power of rebirth and sanctification by the means of hearing and believing the promises of God. This is what Anger & Stress Management God's Way focuses on and in this sense it truly is God's way. Not that the author claims to have infallible insight into the interpretation of scripture, but that God's way is the way of his grace and not the way of merit through a disciplined moralism.
Click HERE to Purchase!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from P&R Publishing in exchange for an online review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
I'm always a bit nervous when I see a book title with the phrase "God's Way" in it -- and there have been many of these over the years! Perhaps it's just me, but when authors pull the "God's Way" card, I feel as if they are cutting off any form of dialogue and insisting that they have the final infallible say on the matter. I'm not entirely sure if they are claiming that they have God's endorsement on their words (I don't believe this is the case), or if by "god's way" they mean something else that is just simply beyond my understanding. Those of you who know me know that I absolutely believe in objective truth and that there is one true meaning to scripture, but I am also an ardent believer in dialogue and in the process of working out the meaning of scripture along side a multitude of counsel. What if I happen to disagree with the author's particular interpretation of a passage? Does that mean that I am somehow out of the bounds of orthodoxy? Needless to say this has become a pet peeve of mine because I simply don't know how to respond or how to disagree without feeling as if somewhere, someone is going to jump out of the shadows and tell me what a horrible Christian I am. This is where Christian charity comes in and we have to assume the best about the authors (they are not claiming infallibility) while at the same time being bold when we disagree. We must affirm that disagreeing with an author is not the same as disagreeing with God himself! All of this aside, the one thing that I always look for in any book is whether or not it clearly and accurately prescribes the gospel as the one and only effective solution to the problem at hand. It is here that Wayne Mack's latest book Anger & Stress Management God's Way really shines. If nothing else can be said about this book, it is that Mack relies heavily upon the gospel to transform our anger and not upon our own efforts -- and yet so much more can be said because this truly is a great book!
In Anger & Stress Management God's Way , Wayne Mack begins by affirming that sometimes it is okay to be angry. There is such a thing as being good and angry. However, this is not as common as we might assume and more often than not our anger rises out of sin that is deep within us. In order to help discern the difference, Mack goes on to give five things that we can look for to help us know if we are sinning in our anger. These five traits can be summarized as a lack of forgiveness (holding onto wrongs, fretting, retaliation, etc), being dishonest about our anger, and transferring our anger to another person. Mack then moves on to helping us learn to deal with anger in such a way that we do not sin in our anger. Mack identifies two ways in which scripture teaches us to not sin in our anger. The first is to deal with our anger on an ongoing basis. The second way is to realize that despite the fact that we might be angry, we are always in control of how we respond. This can be difficult when our anger is stirred by another person, but Mack goes on to give two ways to handle offenses. The first is to overlook the offense and the second is to approach them privately to begin a Matthew 18 resolution. Both of these sections are full of good practical ways to help us deal with on offense in a righteous manner. In all of this, Mack is careful to not present his counsel in such a way that it leads to moralism. I really appreciate this about the book because this is precisely what differentiates Anger & Stress Management God's Way as a Christian book and not simply another self-help book. Wayne Mack is a master at revealing how these issues are a reflection of our heart and that the only lasting solution is a new heart. At the same time, he doesn't allow this approach to produce a hands-off approach in which the angry person simply lets go exerting no effort while waiting for God to simply remove the anger. To end the discussion on anger, Mack really begins to dig deep into the heart as he offers six questions that help us to turn our anger from a destructive to a constructive force. Far from being a prescription, these six questions lead the reader into the deep recesses of the heart in order to expose those areas which need to be sanctified. The focus isn't on the behavior but on knowing and identifying issues of the heart.
Next Mack turns to the second (related) topic in the book --stress. Here he turns the mirror back to our hearts and shows us that stress comes from a lack of belief when we encounter the various things that trigger our stress. He shows the natural and spiritual consequences of stress, and offers two solutions to manage our stress. The first is to intentionally choose to trust in God's sovereignty, and the second is to intentionally choose to give thanks to God in every circumstance. Again, like the previous section on anger, Mack leaves no room for the rugged individual who is going to overcome his stress apart from the transforming work of the Spirit within us.
Overall I have to admit that I was very impressed with Anger & Stress Management God's Way , and Wayne Mack's determined focus on the gospel as the means to transform the heart. This is why in the few areas where I may differ with Mack I do not see a need to make an issue of it. If we turn to the Christ to transform us through the gospel of his word we cannot go wrong. While brothers may disagree from time to time on minutia, we should not disagree on the transformative power of rebirth and sanctification by the means of hearing and believing the promises of God. This is what Anger & Stress Management God's Way focuses on and in this sense it truly is God's way. Not that the author claims to have infallible insight into the interpretation of scripture, but that God's way is the way of his grace and not the way of merit through a disciplined moralism.
Click HERE to Purchase!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from P&R Publishing in exchange for an online review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
August 3, 2018
Having been through a very stressful period, I found myself becoming increasingly short-tempered and allowing worry to overcome me, so I picked up this book, and would recommend it to anyone and everyone, regardless of whether anger and stress is a particular concern.
Mack not only highlights the severity of sinful anger, and ungodly responses to "stressors", allowing one to see a glimpse of the depth of their sin, and the damage it causes, but he also provides very practical step-by-step procedures to help deal with anger and stress in a biblical manner. Which are not "easy" to implement, because dealing with our sin never is, but are easy to remember and to try and put into practice, and I can already tell that they are making a difference.
The only negative thing I could say about this book is that it isn't written particularly well, sometimes the grammar is off and the sentences don't flow that easily, but it's clear what he means (besides the occasional double take), and the wisdom that he shares is life changing.
Mack not only highlights the severity of sinful anger, and ungodly responses to "stressors", allowing one to see a glimpse of the depth of their sin, and the damage it causes, but he also provides very practical step-by-step procedures to help deal with anger and stress in a biblical manner. Which are not "easy" to implement, because dealing with our sin never is, but are easy to remember and to try and put into practice, and I can already tell that they are making a difference.
The only negative thing I could say about this book is that it isn't written particularly well, sometimes the grammar is off and the sentences don't flow that easily, but it's clear what he means (besides the occasional double take), and the wisdom that he shares is life changing.
May 31, 2017
I received a copy of this book courtesy of NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I enjoyed this book. It was a great bible study. The author provided great insight into our choices on how we handle our anger and stress. I found much of the advice useful and the verses he chose were very applicable and comforting. Great verses to put on note cards and review or memorize.
I think we all struggle this area from time to time. Very eye opening comments. Our anger may be justified but the way we react to our anger can be sinful. This was a great self help book as well as bible study.
I would highly recommend this book for a bible study or individual study. There are application questions at the end of each section to assist group discussion.
I enjoyed this book. It was a great bible study. The author provided great insight into our choices on how we handle our anger and stress. I found much of the advice useful and the verses he chose were very applicable and comforting. Great verses to put on note cards and review or memorize.
I think we all struggle this area from time to time. Very eye opening comments. Our anger may be justified but the way we react to our anger can be sinful. This was a great self help book as well as bible study.
I would highly recommend this book for a bible study or individual study. There are application questions at the end of each section to assist group discussion.
June 6, 2019
Wayne Mack starts by distinguishing between righteous and unrighteous anger and describes the different forms unrighteous anger can take. In a society that seems to be obsessed with rights, I found the link he made between anger at our perceived rights e.g. to be respected and pride and selfishness, interesting. I found the first half of the book, which dealt with anger, stronger than the section on stress, which was much more stating the obvious. The biblical basis was both sound and helpful. We could all be a lot let stressed if we tried to live as described in the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-13) and the Fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22).
November 17, 2020
This book was so convicting and nourishing. Wayne Mack never seems to let me down with his books, this book was so practical and biblical on every level. This is a must read book for every Christian, it will definitely help you to combat stress and anger on a daily basis! This is definitely so far one of my favourite books this year!
One of the great things he said about tackling stress and anger is that we must choose to see everything that happens to us within the framework of Gods sovereignty!! Taking that one thing and holding on to it can already help you with anger and stress, but he has a lot more so get reading!!
One of the great things he said about tackling stress and anger is that we must choose to see everything that happens to us within the framework of Gods sovereignty!! Taking that one thing and holding on to it can already help you with anger and stress, but he has a lot more so get reading!!
February 16, 2023
This slim volume does what its title implies: provide biblical strategies for handling anger and stress. The problem is that it spends more than half its length presenting the issue and gives the solutions short shrift. Arguably it should be the other way around.
Dr. Mack's solutions are derived from Scripture but he would benefit readers more by devoting more time to the passages he identifies as providing God's prescriptions for dealing with anger and stress.
Dr. Mack's solutions are derived from Scripture but he would benefit readers more by devoting more time to the passages he identifies as providing God's prescriptions for dealing with anger and stress.
January 28, 2023
This book is a must read for all Christians, especially if you’re feeling convicted about your responses to stressors in your life. The first half was harder to get through than the second, but it’s all very practical and helpful for reflecting on what the Bible says in regards to these issues and how we can change our thinking to be more obedient to God.
March 2, 2025
A very practical book. I like how Wayne Mack describes different demonstrations of anger, implicit and explicit, and how it affects our relationship with God and one another. The biblical solutions provide hope that we can overcome and point us to the sovereignty of God, so good and so true. I’ve enjoyed reading it.
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December 1, 2021Practical and biblical guidance on how to overcome sinful anger and stress that leads to anger.
February 9, 2022
This is a helpful book that does a good job of addressing anger and stress with biblical solutions for change.
July 20, 2022
Excellent resource on managing anger biblically
October 2, 2024
Good practical techniques to manage stress and anger in today’s world.
December 28, 2024
Covers the topic well, however, it's filled with too many examples (which isn't my favorite style of writing. Others might enjoy that)
February 5, 2025
A truly valuable book for anyone dealing with anger and/or stress or anyone seeking to help someone dealing with anger or stress. A great resource!
June 22, 2025
Exceptional.
August 11, 2025
I found it difficult to focus on the audiobook. I think I would like to read it. There seemed to be some very helpful tips that I would like to write down or highlight.
September 10, 2025
Very grounded and practical. Not at all as cheesy as the title makes you think. 10/10
October 9, 2025
Powerful and impactful
June 12, 2025
This is a fine and practical book on anger and stress, but I don't think it's all that heavy-hitting. It's not bad, but it doesn't stand out to me as one to keep on the shelf and/or to recommend to others (but I don't think it would be bad to recommend to those who need help with the topic).
April 28, 2007
A short counseling book on how to be "good and angry" as well as how to manage stress in a godly way. It contains many practical examples and straightforward answers to dealing with relational conflict. The biggest principle I took away from it is that most anger results from what we consider our "rights" being taken away. Mack points out that these "rights" should instead be thought of as privileges given from the Lord and subsequently His perogative to take away at any time.
January 16, 2016
I chose this book because I wanted to start the year off with a book in the spiritual growth category and it was on my to read stack.
This book helped me realize I do express anger in unbiblical ways (didn't realize some of my actions were unbiblical expressions of anger) and gave me some valuable things to do when facing stressful situations. I plan to recommend this to my Bible study group when it comes time to choose a new book.
This book helped me realize I do express anger in unbiblical ways (didn't realize some of my actions were unbiblical expressions of anger) and gave me some valuable things to do when facing stressful situations. I plan to recommend this to my Bible study group when it comes time to choose a new book.
October 21, 2023
Wow! Another "every believer should read this" book! No matter if you feel you struggle with anger or stress management, it will open your eyes to things you have dealt with. It really put things in perspective for me on issues I've often thought about. Great for personal development. Great for small group studies. Just a great book!
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September 8, 2020Originally I gave this title 3.5 stars. I am revising my stars to zero.
The reason I am doing so is that since reading this title, several things about my faith journey and expression have changed and I no longer subscribe to evangelical ideologies.
The reason I am doing so is that since reading this title, several things about my faith journey and expression have changed and I no longer subscribe to evangelical ideologies.
December 30, 2019
Simple. Biblical. Practical explanations and applications. Thankful for solid teachers like Mack who can write useful books that help us see our depravity, remind us of the hope we have in Christ to live for Him and like Him, and equip us to live in light of Gods Word.
January 18, 2026
Read through again with a friend. It is a great tool and discussion facilitator to grow in these areas.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews