When God made each of us, He wired us to experience certain emotions. While we know that God wants us to experience happiness and that joy is one of the Fruits of the Spirit, we also have any other number of emotions. One of those emotions that we are born with is anger. While we know that God wants us to be peacemakers (Matthew 5:9), it’s easy to wonder if God is OK with us experiencing anger. Fortunately, there are several Bible verses that discuss anger and the best way to deal with it in a way that’s pleasing to God.
Psalm 37:8 (ESV)
Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath! Fret not yourself; it tends only to evil.
In this verse, David writes that we should refrain from anger. In the same list of Fruits of the Spirit that discusses the importance of joy and happiness, Paul also says that we should practice self-control. Refraining from anger is simply good practice. As children of God, we are not called to walk around angry, snapping at those around us. Generally speaking, unbridled anger generates evil actions which do not line up with the characteristics that God wants us to display.
Ephesians 4:26 (ESV)
Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger,
In his letter to the church at Ephesus, Paul acknowledges that we will all experience anger at some point in our lives. Simply feeling angry is not sinful. Obviously, Paul separates anger and sin in this verse. When we are guided by the Holy Spirit, it is possible for us to control the anger that we feel so it does not manifest itself in any sort of sinful behavior. The most important part of feeling anger is that we do not allow it to cause us to mistreat people around us and act sinfully.
James 1:20 (ESV)
For the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.
Our anger, while a natural emotion does not produce God’s righteousness in our lives. The righteousness of God includes patience with others and showing them the same grace that we have received. However, it’s crucial to note that this verse does not say that it’s sinful to be angry. However, we must subject ourselves to the guidance of God’s Holy Spirit so His righteousness can still be produced in our daily lives. Our anger doesn’t produce much of anything good, instead it prompts us to lash out at people who often have nothing to do with our anger. God’s righteousness is our top priority, so we must keep our anger under control.
James 1:19 (ESV)
Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger;
Being angry isn’t sinful however we shouldn’t let ourselves default to anger. In many cases, anger is the result of other emotions. When some people experience fear, they lash out in anger. When others are disappointed, they choose to show that disappointment through a moment of rage. Instead of allowing anger to quickly bubble up to the surface, we should be slow to revert to that place.
Proverbs 15:1 (ESV)
A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
As important as it is to not quickly display anger, it’s equally as vital that we do not try to evoke anger from those around us. Our words have power. There are multiple verses about the power that our tongues carry. Instead of using our words to tear others down and bring them to a point of anger, we should refrain from harsh, bitter words. Instead, we should focus on building up others and using our words to share our faith with those around us.
Ecclesiastes 7:9 (ESV)
Be not quick in your spirit to become angry, for anger lodges in the bosom of fools.
As a Christian, we should be slow to become angry. Afterall, we have so much to be thankful for. While there may be situations in our lives that evoke anger, it’s important that we don’t quickly go to that place, especially when we’re dealing with other people. Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived penned these words and ended his statement with the fact that anger “lodges in the bosom of fools.” Quickly, naturally responding with anger is a sign of weakness, not a sign of strength.
Ephesians 4:31 (ESV)
Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice.
When we put things away, they’re much harder to get to quickly. Bitterness, wrath and anger are all things that Paul says we should distance ourselves from. Instead of letting anger remain near the surface, easily accessible the first time we believe we have been mistreated, Paul says that we need to distance ourselves from those things. This doesn’t mean that there won’t be anger, simply that we shouldn’t keep it close to us.
Proverbs 29:11 (ESV)
A fool gives full vent to his spirit, but a wise man quietly holds it back.
The difference in wisdom and foolishness is how quickly we give into anger. Harsh responses, angry outbursts and other potentially harmful behaviors are not the earmark of wisdom. Instead, they show weakness.
Romans 12:9 (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.”
When we have been mistreated by someone else, our natural inclination is to get even with them. However, vengeance is in direct disobedience to how God wants us to interact with others. When you have been wronged, you may be hurt and angry, but that doesn’t mean that you should go after the person who wronged you. Instead, allow God to deal with that person and show them the error of their ways.
There is no way to avoid experiencing anger. But through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we can keep those emotions under control, constantly seeking for a way to live our lives in a way that pleases God. If you deal with anger, ask the Holy Spirit to help you manage it and live according to God’s Word.
A Closing Prayer:
God, I don’t want the anger in my life to control me. Instead, I want to be controlled by the power of the Holy Spirit. Help me to control my tongue and my actions so I can be a light to those around me. In Christ’s name, Amen!