When we look at anger from a Biblical perspective, we can see that anger in and of itself is not a sin. Sin is what happens when we act out in or react to anger. Ephesians 4:26 and Psalm 4:4 give us clear direction, when it comes to anger. Ephesians 4:26 tells us that we have the right to be angry (“Be angry”), but it encourages us not to sin in our anger. It also encourages us to deal with anger in a timely manner (“do not let the sun go down on your wrath”). Psalm 4:4 also encourages us not to sin in our anger, and it instructs us to search our hearts and be silent, when we are faced with anger.It is clear that anger is a natural human emotion, and it is an emotion that God feels as well. Because the Holy Spirit lives inside of us, we as Christian’s will often feel righteous anger, when we see injustice taking place in the world. However, we need to remember that even though we may feel angry (even righteously), we are not to take revenge against anyone. Revenge is God’s job, and we need to leave this up to the only true and just Judge (Romans 12:19). It is important that we know when to let go of our anger. If we don’t, our anger can turn into un-forgiveness, bitterness and resentment, and we have been commanded not to sin in our anger. We need to obey God, as well as bear the fruit of love and self-control, and live our lives in a manner that pleases and glorifies the Lord. Holding on to anger and sinning because of it does not accomplish this goal.
We are able to see how anger turns into sin when we realize that words, thoughts, and actions can actually be used as weapons against others. Therefore, we need to be mindful of our behavior and take time to cool down, when we experience anger in our lives. Nothing good will ever come from losing your cool. It is easy for us to be tempted into sinning, when we are angry. However, if we endure and pass the test of temptation during these times, 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.” We can make the choice not to sin when we are angry, if we remain aware of our behavior and stay connected to the Lord.
Remember that when anger turns into hate, then we are just as bad as a murderer, according to Jesus (1 John 3:15). Also, if we are unwilling to forgive others, then God will not forgive the sins in our own lives (Matthew 6:14-15). Forgiving others is an essential step in following Jesus. We show love, grace and mercy to others, when we forgive, not to mention the fact that we are being obedient to God, and ridding our internal state of toxicity. We are waging a spiritual war, and when we choose not to sin (in anger or in general), then we are giving glory to God. Please know that I am not insinuating that we have the ability to live a sinless life. We don’t. Only Christ lived the perfect, sinless life, but it is because of His shed blood and sacrifice for our sins, that we are able to be made right and made brand new when we sin, as we seek God’s forgiveness. 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. When we forgive others, we set them and ourselves free.
An important thing to note when we are angry is that we are not the judge. Only God has the right to judge, and He will judge us…all of us (including ourselves). “Judging is an attempt to absolve ourselves of guilt (Lisa Bevere).” Matthew 7:1 warns us that when we judge others, we will also be judged. When it comes to anger, often times “we will pass judgment on others to try to justify our un-forgiveness or rage with them (Lisa Bevere).” This is not ok, nor will it ever be. When you justify sinning because of what someone else has done to you, you are being spiritually immature by not taking responsibility for your own actions. We need to grow up in Christ and know who He has called us to be in Him. “We have permission to be angry when there is a cause, but never to be destructive or punitive (Lisa Bevere).” Sometimes the issue of our anger can be a matter of us letting go of our own pride and humbling ourselves. Don’t forget to take the time to examine why you are angry. Could it be that you are also at fault, in a particular situation? Should you ask someone for forgiveness? Be still and take time to seek the Lord and search your own heart. God will reveal the truth to you, if you are open to listening to His voice.
Of course we need to keep things in perspective. Making a decision not to pass judgment on someone else does not mean we should have a relationship with them. We shouldn’t fellowship with non-believers, be in intimate relationships with them, or associate closely with “Sunday morning”/ lukewarm Christian’s. The Bible tells us to remain equally, not unequally yoked for many good reasons. This does not mean, however, that we should judge others. It is important to surround ourselves with people who are truly walking with the Lord, in order to be sharpened by them and to sharpen them (like iron sharpens iron). Also, God loves for us to be in fellowship with other believers, because it brings Him glory and we were meant to be in community. When we join together, we can accomplish so much for God’s Kingdom, as well. If there are people around you who have one foot in the door for Jesus and one foot out, then I do encourage you to shine your light, talk to them about God, invite them to church, and be there for them when/if they need you. Pray for them and show them love. Still, be careful of the company that you keep, because people who aren’t sold out to God will not help you to grow in your walk with the Lord, may give you ungodly life advice, and could lead you into sin and temptation. At the end of the day, though, no one has a right to judge anyone else (whether they are saved or unsaved).
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