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Definition of Anger in the Bible – Viral Believer
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Definition of Anger in the Bible

Introduction

Anger is a powerful emotion that can consume us if left unchecked. It can lead to hurtful words, damaged relationships, and even physical violence. As Christians, we are called to be slow to anger and to handle our emotions in a way that honors God.

But what does the Bible say about anger? What causes it, and how can we deal with it in a healthy way? In this blog post, we will explore the definition of anger in the Bible and discuss practical strategies for managing it.

Anger is a complex emotion that can have both positive and negative effects. On the one hand, anger can motivate us to take action against sin and injustice. Jesus himself displayed righteous anger when he overturned the tables of the money changers in the temple.

However, on the other hand, anger can also be a destructive force that causes harm to ourselves and those around us. It is important for Christians to understand the nature of anger and how to handle it in a way that reflects God’s love and grace.

In this blog post, we will examine the definition of anger in the Bible, its root causes, and practical strategies for managing it.

Whether you struggle with anger yourself or are seeking to help someone else, we hope that this post will provide guidance and encouragement in your journey towards emotional health and spiritual maturity.

anger in the Bible

What is Anger?

The word “anger” is mentioned numerous times in the Bible, and it is often used to describe a strong feeling of displeasure or hostility towards someone or something. In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word for anger is “ap” or “aph”, which means to breathe hard or snort.

In the New Testament, the Greek word for anger is “orge”, which means a settled anger or a passionate anger.

The Bible teaches that anger can be both positive and negative. Positive anger can be righteous anger, which is a reaction to sin and injustice. For example, Jesus displayed righteous anger when he overturned the tables of the money changers in the temple (John 2:13-16).

Negative anger, on the other hand, is sinful and can lead to bitterness, resentment, and even violence (Proverbs 29:22).

What Causes Anger?

The Bible identifies several causes of anger, including personal offense, injustice, unmet expectations, and pride. Personal offense can be caused by someone’s words, actions or even by someone’s inaction.

For example, if someone promised to do something and they don’t follow through, we may feel offended. Similarly, if someone says or does something hurtful towards us, it can cause anger to arise. It is important to note that sometimes the offense is intentional, and sometimes it is not.

Injustice is another common cause of anger. When we see others being mistreated or when we experience injustice ourselves, it can trigger a righteous anger. However, if we allow this anger to consume us and lead us to take revenge, we are not acting in accordance with God’s will (Romans 12:19).

Unmet expectations can also cause frustration and disappointment, leading to anger if not dealt with properly. This can happen in various areas of life, such as relationships, work, or personal goals.

It is important to remember that we live in a fallen world and things will not always go according to our plans. When our expectations are not met, we can choose to respond with grace and understanding, rather than anger.

Pride is another root cause of anger. Proverbs 13:10 says, “By pride comes nothing but strife, but with the well-advised is wisdom.”

Pride can cause us to become easily offended or defensive, which can lead to anger. When we have a high opinion of ourselves, we can become sensitive to criticism or correction, which can lead to anger and resentment.

Dealing with Anger

As Christians, it is important to learn how to deal with anger in a healthy way. The Bible offers several strategies for dealing with anger, including self-control, forgiveness, and seeking wise counsel.

Self-control is a key element in dealing with anger. Proverbs 16:32 says, “He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.” We must learn to control our emotions and not allow our anger to control us.

This can be challenging, especially in the heat of the moment, but with practice and the help of the Holy Spirit, we can develop self-control.

Forgiveness is another important strategy for dealing with anger. Ephesians 4:31-32 says, “Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.”

Forgiveness can be difficult, especially when we feel wronged, but it is essential for healing and reconciliation. Forgiveness is not excusing the wrong, but it is choosing to release the anger and bitterness we feel towards the offender. As Christians, we are called to forgive others as Christ forgave us (Colossians 3:13).

Seeking wise counsel is also important in dealing with anger. Proverbs 15:22 says, “Without counsel, plans go awry, but in the multitude of counselors they are established.”

Talking to a trusted friend, pastor, or counselor can help us gain perspective and learn how to deal with our anger in a healthy way. They can help us identify the root cause of our anger and provide practical strategies for managing it.

In addition to self-control, forgiveness, and seeking wise counsel, there are other strategies that can help us deal with anger in a God-honoring way. One of these is prayer, which can help us surrender our anger to God and ask for His help in dealing with it.

Psalm 4:4 says, “Be angry, and do not sin. Meditate within your heart on your bed, and be still. Selah.” In times of anger, we can turn to God in prayer and ask Him to help us process our emotions in a healthy way.

Another strategy is to focus on gratitude, which can help us shift our focus away from our anger and onto the blessings in our lives.

Philippians 4:6-7 says, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

When we choose to focus on the good things in our lives, it can help us keep our anger in perspective and prevent it from consuming us.

Handling Anger in Relationships

Anger can be particularly challenging to manage in relationships, whether it be with family, friends, or coworkers. However, the Bible offers guidance on how to handle anger in relationships in a way that honors God.

One important principle is to speak truth in love. Ephesians 4:15 says, “but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head–Christ.” When we have a conflict with someone, it is important to speak the truth in a gentle and loving way.

We must avoid using hurtful words or attacking the person’s character. Instead, we should focus on the issue at hand and work towards a resolution.

Another important principle is to listen to the other person’s perspective. James 1:19 says, “So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath.”

When we listen to the other person’s perspective, it can help us understand their point of view and find a solution that works for both parties.

Additionally, we must learn to extend grace to others, just as God extends grace to us. Colossians 3:13 says, “bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.”

When we choose to extend grace to others, it can help us maintain healthy relationships and prevent anger from escalating.

Conclusion

In conclusion, anger is a natural human emotion that can be both positive and negative. The Bible teaches that anger can be righteous or sinful, depending on how it is expressed and the motivation behind it.

As Christians, we must learn how to deal with anger in a healthy way by practicing self-control, forgiveness, seeking wise counsel, prayer, and focusing on gratitude. In relationships, we must learn to speak truth in love, listen to the other person’s perspective, and extend grace to others.

It is important to note that dealing with anger is a process and it takes time to develop healthy habits. It may require seeking help from a counselor, joining a support group, or reading books on the topic. Whatever the case may be, it is important to take action and seek help if needed.

As we navigate the challenges of life and encounter situations that may trigger our anger, let us remember the words of James 1:19-20: “So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God.”

May we seek to honor God in all that we do, including how we handle our anger, and may His love and grace guide us in all things.

Pastor Duke Taber
Pastor Duke Taber

Pastor Duke Taber

All articles have been written or reviewed by Pastor Duke Taber.
Pastor Duke Taber is an alumnus of Life Pacific University and Multnomah Biblical Seminary.
He has been in pastoral ministry since 1988.
Today he is the owner and managing editor of 3 successful Christian websites that support missionaries around the world.
He is currently starting a brand new church in Mesquite NV called Mesquite Worship Center, a Non-Denominational Spirit Filled Christian church in Mesquite Nevada.