Christian Anger

To be "An Angry Christian" begs readers to ask these questions: Isn’t anger a sin? Is it possible to be angry without sinning? Are the terms "angry" and "Christian" contradictory?

First, in order for a Christian to even begin to claim that anger is an emotion that we might validly hold, we must first ask if it is an attribute of God which we might share with Him since we are created in His image.

Certainly, it is clear that among God’s own attributes, most of which we consider by most men to be beautiful, is also the attribute of anger or wrath. The Old Testament is filled with manifestations of God’s anger and wrath both on the Israelites and the Gentile/Pagan nations alike. The New Testament demonstrates Christ Himself becoming angry with the money-changers in the temple and also insulting, chiding, cajoling and scolding the Pharisees, Sadducees, Scribes, and Priests. The grand finale of the New Testament is Revelation which speaks of the Day of the Lord, also called the Day of God's Wrath (Rev. 6:17; 14:10; 15:1; 16:1, 19:15). Even the great Jonathan Edwards spoke of anger as an attribute of God in his famous sermon, "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God."

While it is clear that anger is an attribute of God, who also possesses the perfect righteousness and holiness that enables Him to act justly and show mercy in His anger, does that mean that Christians are also capable of the same?

In describing the fruits of the spirit and those fruits contrary to the spirit (Galatians 5:16-25 and Romans 1:28-32), anger in and of itself is not mentioned. Therefore, while anger is not a usually considered fruit of the spirit, it is also not contrary to the spirit. What we have to be careful to observe is that anger very often leads to a lack of self-control or "outbursts or fits" which is contrary to fruits of the spirit. We can see that there is a very fine line between anger and the sins that often come forth from anger.

Some Christians maintain that if we are truly spiritual, we will never become angry, or never express it if we do. However, the Bible approves of anger in some instances, but with warnings about it.

Jesus was angry on occasion, but also warned about it. When people were watching him to see if they could accuse him of healing on the Sabbath, he "looked around at them in anger," was distressed about their attitude, and went ahead and healed the man (Mark 3:1-6). However, he also said that people angry at someone (perhaps without cause) were subject to judgment (Matthew 5:22).

Both Old and New Testaments tell us, "In your anger, do not sin." (Psalm 4:4; Ephesians 4:26). Paul to tells the Ephesians to get over their anger soon, and continues on telling them to "get rid of all bitterness, rage, and anger" (4:31).

Both Old and New Testaments point out the importance of being "slow to anger." Jonah lamented the fact that God was slow to anger. James notes that we should be "quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry" if we want righteousness (James 1:19).

Anger is one of those things that may be sinful at some times and not at others, so we must be very careful of the danger of falling into sin when we become angry.

What is needed is neither complete suppression nor unbridled expression, but a controlled expression. Rather than the result being bitterness or rage, anger can result in appropriate confrontation.

When Paul tells us, "Be angry, but do not sin," (Eph 4:26) he indicates a legitimate kind of anger. We can think of times that we have lost our temper. But we also know, almost instinctively, that there is such a thing as righteous anger, that we should be angry about certain things.

The inability to become angry about injustice — about abortion, racism, or child molestation for example — indicates a soul lacking any sense of truth and morality.

So when is anger sinful and when is it not? How should we manage our anger such that it is constructive controlled expression and not unbridled passion? These questions are probably best answered by prayerful contemplation of the scriptures. Here are a few verses to get you started:

2 Corinthians 12:20, Psalm 4:4, Psalm 37:8, Psalm 103:8, Proverbs 15:1, Proverbs 22:24-25, Proverbs 27:4, Proverbs 29:8, Proverbs 29:11, Proverbs 29:22, Proverbs 30:33, Ecclesiastes 7:9, Matthew 5:22, Ephesians 4:25-27, Ephesians 4:31, Colossians 3:8, 1 Timothy 2:8, James 1:19-20, Romans 12:19

With this in mind, let us consider our own anger. As a passion, anger is not always wrong except when it strays from right reason. The problem is not that we grow angry but that we do so about the wrong things (traffic, sports, and schedules) and in the wrong way (insulting remarks and even physical harm). More often than not our anger proceeds from pride and is directed toward our own convenience: what we want, when we want it, how we want it, etc. Rather than seek the good of others or the glory of God.

Oddly enough, the same culture that has produced "aggressive drivers" and anger management seminars seems unable to grow angry about the right things. We should be furious about the spiritual devastation all around us: the lies about sexuality, the deceit of the young, and the neglect of God. We should be angry that God is offended and that souls are in danger. Such a well-ordered passion would prompt us to resist boldly the evils around us. Instead, we take offense at what inconveniences us and ignore what offends God. It is a sign of disordered passions when a man can lose his temper over traffic but sit by calmly while innocent unborn children are slaughtered by the truckload everyday.

In summary, the important things to remember are:

A Christian might become legitimately angry about sin and injustice in the world, but should not remain perpetually so. A Christian must remember that anger may very easily lead to sin and should constantly guard his conscience against it. A Christian must always learn and practice self control lest even anger born in righteousness quickly deteriorate into an abomination before the Lord. A Christian must always remember that vengeance is the Lord's and we have no right to exact vengeance, ever.

Much of the modern so-called Christian subculture has often become so impotent that nothing angers them. Without righteous anger, nothing moves them to become involved in culture; the salt has lost its savor. On the other hand, modern existentialist and anarchistic subcultures wallow in a hopeless and nihilistic rage that consumes them in despair.

We should not strive to be another Christian sub-culture like so much of modern Christianity --- which is really just another current moving in the same direction as the cultural river that leads to hell. No, we need to be part of THE true counter-culture. There is only one true counter-culture and that is the culture of authentic Christianity. We should be "Contra Mundum" – against the world. We are legitimately the antithesis of a post-modern culture and should seek to live each day "Coram Deo" – before the face of God! We should strive to live the proper balance of SALTY and HOLY. Imperfectly to be sure, but nonetheless our eyes are set upon Christ and Him crucified.