Anger vs. Sin (part 2)

There is a common misconception that anger is a sin, but this is not Biblically sound. Anger is not a sin. Anger is a natural human emotion. Anger is also an emotion that God feels and is familiar with. Anger becomes sin, however, when people choose to act out in rage, hostility, revenge and so forth. It is not the initial emotion of anger that gets us into trouble, but how we act and react concerning anger. Ephesians 4:26 and Psalm 4:4 give us advice on how to handle anger. “Be angry, and do not sin: do not let the sun go down on your wrath (Ephesians 4:26).” “In your anger do not sin; when you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent (Psalm 4:4).”

Ephesians 4:26 tells us to “be angry.” This shows that we have permission to feel this emotion. It then goes on to say, “do not sin.” Although we have the right to feel anger, we do not have the right to sin because of it. Ephesians 4:26 also tells us, “do not let the sun go down on your wrath.” This shows us the importance of resolving thing’s (arguments, disagreements, disputes, and feelings of anger) in a timely manner. We shouldn’t hold on to anger for too long, because it can turn into bitterness, resentment, and un-forgiveness, and when we sin, we allow the Devil access to our lives. “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour (1 Peter 5:8).”

Psalm 4:4 clearly explains that anger is not a sin by saying, “in your anger do not sin.” It doesn’t say that anger is a sin, it instructs us not to sin when we are angry. Psalm 4:4 advises, “when you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent.” When we experience the emotion of anger, we need to take time to search our hearts through prayer and meditation, asking God to lead and guide us. Allow yourself adequate time to cool down, so that you don’t do or say something you will regret later. James 1:19 says that we should be “quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.” Bearing the fruit of self-control (Galatians 5:23) and walking in love (1 Corinthians 13:4-8) are essential to dealing with anger in a healthy way.

So how does anger turn into sin? In her book, “Be Angry But Don’t Blow it,” Lisa Bevere describes the progression from anger to sin in three words, ready, aim, and fire. “I feel this sequence of words accurately and vividly portrays not only the act of firing but also the progression from anger to sin or, to be more precise, the progression from anger to rage to fury (Lisa Bevere).” Lisa describes “weapons of anger” such as words, thoughts, or actions. It is so important that we deal with why we are upset or angry in a situation, in order to avoid hurting God, ourselves and others in the process through sin. Just look what happened when Cain acted thoughtlessly in his anger. He ended up murdering his own brother (Genesis 4:1-10).

“People become upset regarding areas in which they feel great passion (Lisa Bevere).” When we feel violated by someone or when we feel that they have violated someone we love, then the passion in a certain situation can often lead to inappropriate anger. As we mature in Christ, we will learn how to deal with our feelings of anger without blowing up, hurting someone with our words or actions, or acting in other ungodly ways. Remember that every moment you experience anger and have the choice to sin, you are being tempted. Not only are we tempted by the Devil, but we are tempted by our own sinful nature and fleshly desires. The Bible encourages us that when we are tempted and we pass the test by choosing not to give in to that temptation, then God will bless us. James 1:12-14 says, “Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. When tempted, no one should say, ‘God is tempting me.’ For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed.”

So how do we deal with anger without sinning? Because we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us, we have no excuse for not dealing with our anger appropriately or any other temptation for that matter. Saying, “I couldn’t help myself,” is no excuse for sin in your life or my life, because the truth is, we can help ourselves. Often times, we choose to sin. First, know that God has given us everything that we need to live a godly life; His Holy Spirit, His Word, godly men and women in our lives, etc. Second, be sure to make a mental checklist of your thoughts. What are you thinking about? Sometimes our thoughts can lead us into temptation and into sin. If you have an issue that you are angry about and you mull over it in your mind constantly, then you are setting yourself up to sin (whether in your thought life or in the flesh). Third, know when to let go. Choosing to hold on to anger will lead you to resentment, which will lead to rage and the desire to seek vengeance. Romans 12:19 warns us to leave revenge to God. Also, harboring resentment and rage are the same thing as harboring hate, and Jesus told us that hating others is the same as murdering them (1 John 3:15). Lastly, do yourself a favor and learn to deal with anger appropriately. When it comes down to it, the person you are hurting the most (with unhealthy/ unchecked anger) is yourself. We need to rise above our circumstances and situations and choose not to pick up the offense.

Not only does sin, which comes from anger, hurt others, but it hurts us as well. We need to be aware of roots of bitterness that spring up in our hearts and defile us (Hebrews 12:15). According to Lisa Bevere, “the root of bitterness chokes the nourishing seedlings of the Word of God.” How does a root of bitterness defile us? “Bitter roots cause trouble, and they defile. Something that once was pure is contaminated, tainted, adulterated, and corrupted. Our tender hearts, carefully planted with good seed, are permeated by tenacious roots of destructive and bitter poison (Lisa Bevere).” This is why the Bible tells us to guard our hearts, because our hearts are the wellspring of life (Proverbs 4:23). In Ephesians 4:31-32 Paul warns us to “get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.” Paul then goes on to instruct us to love and forgive each other.

So how do we let go of un-forgiveness and bitterness? “The secret to ridding yourself of a root of bitterness is to forgive and release those who have deeply wounded you (Lisa Bevere).” Forgiveness is essential because when we forgive, we open up the floodgates to be forgiven by God for the sins that we have also committed (Matthew 6:14-15). The Bible actually tells us that if we don’t forgive others, then we won’t be forgiven for our sins. We also need to remember that, as Christians, we are waging a spiritual war (Ephesians 6:11-12). When we choose to forgive, we put the enemy in his place and we give glory to God. Lastly, we need to make a choice to set people free. When we choose not to forgive people, we are saying that they owe us some kind of debt. Remember what Christ has forgiven you for, and then choose to forgive and release others from any debt that you think that they owe you. Essentially, when we set others free, we free ourselves in the process.