Controlling Angry Thoughts

I'm not going to lie being a Christian is hard sometimes. Recently I've been struggling with thoughts, namely because of my short temper. Someone I know is being horribly bullied for being a Christian, and as a sinful being my intimidate reaction to to insult the person who is bulling her. But then that doesn't make me too different from her now does it? My first reaction is anger and frustration, my follow up reaction is shame for things I thought or said and then just regret. So how can we cut out the first part and thus illuminate the second and third? I find the second you hear something that makes you angry is pray, before you say or do anything. It doesn't have to be a long prayer or practiced, it can be short and sweet and to the point and it helps! Now i'm not here to say I've mastered this, because as I've said my temper is a short fuse and it's sometimes hard for me to think before I speak. But it's not impossible, as nothing is with God's help, as the Bible teaches us God never gives us more than we can endure.    

Ephesians 4:26-31
"In your anger do not sin": Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry,  and do not give the devil a foothold.  He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need.  Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.  And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.  Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.


Proverbs 29:11
A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control

Proverbs 16:32
Better a patient man than a warrior, a man who controls his temper than one who takes a city.


With all of this being said, please pray for the girl I mentioned in this post, she is a wonderful, sweet person and I know God must have something special planned for her to allow her to be going through this.  
God Bless~ The Learning Christian