Biblical Understanding of Anger

Biblical Understanding of Anger
By Pastor Alexander L. Redd

"Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry" (James 1:19).

Experiencing anger is not inherently sinful, as we are created in God's image (Genesis 1:27), and He, too, displays righteous anger. This divine emotion can guide us toward justice and righteousness. Consider Christ's righteous indignation in the temple courts (John 2:13-17).

His anger arose not from a loss of control but from a zealous defense of sacred truth. Scripture attests to God's anger toward sin and injustice. When Israel strayed into idolatry, His anger stemmed from His righteous nature (Exodus 32:9-10), demonstrating His commitment to holiness.

However, we must handle anger with wisdom: "Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry" (James 1:19). While anger can motivate opposition to injustice, uncontrolled anger leads to sin. As believers, we must master this emotion.

Righteous anger stands against evil, upholds truth, and pursues justice. Righteous anger must be balanced with Christ-like compassion, for "love keeps no record of wrongs" (1 Corinthians 13:5). Our challenge is not to get rid of anger but to ensure that it reflects God's character rather than vengeful human nature.

Spiritual maturity involves discerning between righteous indignation and sinful wrath (Ephesians 4:26-27). Through the Spirit's guidance, our anger can serve God's purposes in confronting the evil of injustice and advancing His kingdom.