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What Does the Bible Say About Anger? – Viral Believer
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What Does the Bible Say About Anger?

Introduction

Anger is a powerful emotion that we all experience at some point in our lives. While it is a normal part of being human, it can also be dangerous and destructive if not managed properly. As Christians, it is important to understand what the Bible has to say about anger and how we can deal with it in a healthy and godly way.

In this blog post, we will explore what the Bible says about anger, its different types, and how we can manage it in a way that honors God. We will also examine some of the key biblical passages on anger and learn from the examples of biblical figures who expressed anger in different ways.

We will begin by looking at the two types of anger distinguished in the Bible: righteous anger and unrighteous anger. We will explore what the Bible teaches us about avoiding anger, dealing with it when it arises, and transforming it in a godly way.

We will also examine the relationship between anger and forgiveness, both in terms of forgiving others and seeking forgiveness for ourselves. Ultimately, our goal is to gain a deeper understanding of the role of anger in our lives as Christians and to learn how we can live in a way that honors God in all things.

anger in the Bible

The Examples of Anger in the Bible

The Bible contains many examples of people expressing anger in different ways. Some of these examples include:

  • God’s Anger: Exodus 32:10-11 describes God’s anger towards the Israelites for worshipping a golden calf instead of Him. He threatened to destroy them, but relented after Moses interceded on their behalf.
  • Jesus’ Anger: In Mark 3:5, Jesus became angry with the Pharisees for their stubbornness and hardness of the heart. He healed a man’s withered hand on the Sabbath, but they accused Him of breaking the law.
  • Anger of the Prophets and Other Biblical Figures: In 1 Kings 21:5-6, King Ahab was angry with Naboth for refusing to sell his vineyard to him. In his anger, he plotted to have him killed.

Types of Anger

The Bible distinguishes between two types of anger: righteous anger and unrighteous anger.

  • Righteous Anger: Ephesians 4:26 says, “Be angry, and do not sin.” Righteous anger is an appropriate response to sin and injustice. It is directed towards the offense, not the person who committed it, and it seeks to correct the wrong.
  • Unrighteous Anger: Unrighteous anger is often rooted in selfishness and pride. It can lead to bitterness, resentment, and even violence. James 1:20 says, “For the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God.”

The Bible’s Teachings on Anger

The Bible provides guidance on how to deal with anger and transform it in a godly way.

Avoiding Anger

Proverbs 29:22 says, “An angry man stirs up strife, and a furious man abounds in transgression.” One of the best ways to deal with anger is to avoid situations that trigger it.

We should steer clear of things like gossip, jealousy, and pride, which can all lead to anger. We should also guard our hearts and minds by renewing our thoughts with the Word of God (Romans 12:2).

Dealing with Anger

When we do become angry, we should not let the sun go down on our anger (Ephesians 4:26). This means we should deal with it promptly and not let it fester. We should express our anger in a healthy way, such as by talking to a trusted friend or seeking professional help if necessary.

It is important to remember that anger is a normal emotion, and it is okay to feel angry. The key is to channel that anger in a productive way that does not cause harm to ourselves or others.

Transforming Anger

Proverbs 14:29 says, “He who is slow to wrath has great understanding, but he who is impulsive exalts folly.” We can transform our anger by seeking wisdom and understanding from God. We should practice self-control and discipline, such as by counting to ten or taking a deep breath before reacting.

We should also recognize the root of our anger and try to address it at its source. For example, if we are angry because of a lack of control in our lives, we should seek God’s guidance and wisdom in accepting His plan for our lives.

The Relationship Between Anger and Forgiveness

The Bible also teaches us about the relationship between anger and forgiveness.

Forgiving Others

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.” We should forgive those who have wronged us, even if they do not ask for forgiveness or deserve it.

Forgiveness is a key part of being a Christian, and it is something that we should strive to practice in our daily lives.

Seeking Forgiveness

If we have sinned against someone, we should seek their forgiveness (Matthew 5:23-24). We should humble ourselves, confess our wrongs, and make amends as necessary. This is an important part of maintaining healthy relationships and a healthy spiritual life.

God’s Forgiveness

Finally, we should remember that God is always ready to forgive us when we repent of our sins and ask for His forgiveness (1 John 1:9). He does not hold our sins against us, but He removes them as far as the east is from the west (Psalm 103:12). This is an amazing grace that we should never take for granted.

Conclusion

In conclusion, anger is a powerful and complex emotion that we all experience. The Bible teaches us that there are two types of anger: righteous and unrighteous. Righteous anger is an appropriate response to sin and injustice, while unrighteous anger is often rooted in selfishness and pride.

As Christians, we are called to avoid situations that trigger anger, deal with it promptly, and express it in a healthy way. We can transform our anger by seeking wisdom and understanding from God, practicing self-control, and addressing the root of our anger.

The Bible also teaches us about the importance of forgiveness in managing our anger. We should forgive those who have wronged us, seek forgiveness when we have sinned, and remember God’s amazing grace and willingness to forgive.

By following the Bible’s teachings on anger and forgiveness, we can live a life that honors God and brings peace and joy to ourselves and those around us.

Ultimately, as Christians, we should seek to model Christ’s example of forgiveness and love. By managing our anger in a healthy and godly way, we can be a positive influence on those around us and bring glory to God.

Let us continue to seek wisdom and understanding from the Word of God, so that we may live a life that is pleasing to Him 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.