Anger is a God-given emotion, a strong feeling of displeasure in response to something we don’t like.

Anger gives us additional strength. The hormone, adrenaline, is released into the blood stream. We are more alert. Our heart beats faster. Our blood pressure rises. Our muscles tense up, ready for action. That’s how our body is influenced by anger.

In the Bible, the word “anger” is used with different shades of meaning. In some contexts, anger is a natural emotion that is justified. When people condemned Jesus for healing on the Sabbath, He “looked around at them with anger” (Mark 3:5).

In other contexts, anger is a sin that arises from selfish motives or leads to harmful actions. Thus, whether anger is acceptable, depends on its underlying motive and what one does while angry.

The Bible provides guidance on dealing with anger.

We must control our anger.

Emotions are good servants, but bad masters. Carefully controlled emotions add power to what we say and do. But our emotions may not be allowed to run wild. “A fool vents all his feelings, but a wise man holds them back” (Proverbs 29:11).

Anger must be held in check. “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” (James 1:19, 20).

In Colossians 3:8 we are told to “put off” anger.

We must respond calmly to the anger of others.

“A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger” (Proverbs 15:1).

“If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men” (Romans 12:18).

We must not try to make others angry.

Fathers are instructed: “And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath,¹ but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4).

Even justified anger may not last too long.

Anger must be short-lived. “‘Be angry, and do not sin’: do not let the sun go down on your wrath, nor give place to the devil” (Ephesians 4:26, 27).

Remaining angry too long exposes us to the influence of Satan. Resolving anger before the day ends, prevents a buildup of bitterness and resentment, which can damage relationships and our own emotional well-being.

My father once admonished my stepmother: “Remember now: the sun may not go down on your wrath.” She replied: “The sun was already down! I still have a whole day!”

Outbursts of wrath are works of the flesh.

An outburst of wrath is a sudden, intense display of anger, often characterized by shouting, hostile gestures, or other forms of aggressive behavior.

In Galatians 5:19-21, “outbursts of wrath” are listed among the “works of the flesh” that are contrary to a Spirit-led life.

We are to develop humility, patience, and self-control in order to manage anger and prevent it from leading to harmful words or actions.

Outbursts of wrath often result from keeping a record of wrongs, holding a grudge, and bottling up feelings until they explode.

According to 1 Corinthians 13, love does not keep a record of wrongs. Love prevents outbursts of wrath because “Love covers a multitude of sins” (1 Peter 4:8).

“Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice” (Ephesians 4:31). Anger may not lead to malice, a desire to see someone suffer.

One man said, “When my wife is angry she becomes historical.” His friend replied, “You probably mean hysterical.” “No, historical. She reminds me of what I’ve done wrong in the past!”

We must leave room for God’s wrath.

“Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, ‘Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,’ says the Lord” (Romans 12:19).

To “give place to wrath” means to leave an opening for God’s judgment and wrath, rather than taking matters into our own hands. We may not encroach on God’s prerogatives, on things He has reserved to Himself! Believers are not allowed to take revenge.

After we have done all we can do to overcome evil with good, we depend on God’s promise that He will execute justice in His own time and way.

What have we learned?

Anger is a God-given emotion that we must control so it does not lead to sin. We must respond calmly to the anger of others. We must not try to make others angry. Even justified anger may not last too long. Outbursts of wrath are works of the flesh. We must leave room for the wrath of God.
Amen.
Roy Davison