We all have moments in our life when we become angry. Usually we are angry at others and the decisions they made that you might disagree with. Even more often, we are angry at ourselves because of a dumb mistake that we made. Some people are even angry at God many times, blaming Him for their actions and the consequences of them. Spouses become angry at each other over trivial issues; children become angry at their parents for a believed injustice done to them. Christians are angry at other Christians, which ought not be the case. 

Our society is one that certainly is gripped in anger.

The anger that we often struggle with is personal anger that does not produce any good. Paul wrote, “Be angry and do not sin, do not let the sun go down on your wrath.” (Ephesians 4:26). Before we close our eyes at night, we need to let go of the anger that has gripped our hearts. We need to pray that God would forgive us and plead to Him to give us a kinder, gentler heart. I can say without shame that has been my prayer many nights. 

Anger among Christians is certainly something that should be dealt with, “But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment. And whoever says to his brother, ‘Raca!’ shall be in danger of the council. But whoever says, ‘You fool!’ shall be in danger of hell fire. Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.” (Matthew 5:22-24). 

However, it might be surprising to know that anger, if channeled correctly, can be a beneficial emotion. Our Lord was angry when the leaders of the Synagogue watched if He would heal on the Sabbath, “And when He had looked around at them with anger, being grieved by the hardness of their hearts, He said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” And he stretched it out, and his hand was restored as whole as the other.” (Mark 3:5). The anger of my Lord produced a positive effect for the one that was healed. Often our anger or frustration could produce a positive change.

The next time the mental fuse is light, and the emotion of anger starts to boil up within us, perhaps it would be wise to ask ourselves why are we angry, is this issue worth being angry about, and will any good come from this anger? These questions may help us with our relationship with God, with others, and how we see ourselves.

By: Justin Odom