by Janet Mushi | 30 June 2019 08:46 pm06
Shalom, beloved of God!
Today, by the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, we’ll explore a topic that touches every believer at some point in life: Anger—and how to handle it in a way that pleases God. Not all anger is sinful. But much of what we call “righteous anger” is often anything but. Let’s go to the Scriptures for clarity and truth.
“Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil.”
At first glance, this verse might seem to give us permission to be angry—but Paul, writing under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, is doing something deeper. He acknowledges that anger is a human emotion—even a potentially righteous one—but immediately places boundaries around it:
💡 Theological Insight: Anger in itself is morally neutral. The issue is not whether we feel angry—but how we express and process that anger.
Let’s distinguish between the two.
This kind of anger is self-centered, retaliatory, and leads to sin. For example:
Jesus taught directly against these behaviors:
Matthew 5:22 (ESV)
“But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment…”
Paul lists sinful anger among the “works of the flesh”:
Galatians 5:19–21 (ESV)
“…enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger… those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.”
This is anger that reflects God’s righteousness—a deep sorrow and moral outrage over sin, injustice, or spiritual blindness. It is never selfish, and it always aims at restoration or justice.
A powerful example comes from Jesus Himself.
Again he entered the synagogue, and a man was there with a withered hand. And they watched Jesus, to see whether he would heal him on the Sabbath, so that they might accuse him…
And he said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He stretched it out, and his hand was restored.
And he looked around at them with anger, grieved at their hardness of heart…
Jesus was angry, but not because He had been personally offended. His anger came from grief over the Pharisees’ spiritual blindness and hardness of heart. This is what godly anger looks like—anger mixed with sorrow, motivated by truth and love, never vengeance.
Imagine your child disrespects you after many warnings. Naturally, you’d be angry. But as a parent, your anger doesn’t aim to harm your child. Instead, it’s mixed with sorrow—a deep desire to see them change. You may discipline them, but always out of love, not hatred.
This is how God treats us:
Hebrews 12:6 (ESV)
“For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.”
When you’re insulted, mocked, or hurt—especially for your faith—how should you respond?
Paul tells us:
Romans 12:19 (ESV)
“Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.’”
Jesus modeled this too:
1 Peter 2:23 (ESV)
“When he was reviled, he did not revile in return… but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly.”
So when you are wronged, respond with grace. Let your anger push you to prayer—not payback.
2 Timothy 3:12 (ESV)
“Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.”
Jesus also warned us:
John 15:20 (ESV)
“If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you.”
Opposition is part of following Christ. Don’t be surprised by it—but don’t let it produce bitterness. Let it deepen your compassion.
If you haven’t yet given your life to Jesus, this message is also for you. The greatest danger in life isn’t sickness, poverty, or death—it’s to die without Christ.
John 14:6 (ESV)
“I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
Jesus offers complete forgiveness, a new heart, and eternal life—for free. You don’t need to “fix yourself” first. Come as you are. He will cleanse you and make you new.
2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV)
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”
Godly anger is not about attacking people—it’s about being broken over sin and longing for truth to prevail. Let your heart reflect God’s heart.
Before the door of grace closes, come to Christ. His arms are open.
Maranatha! — The Lord is coming soon.
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