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◄ Being Angry►

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Definition and Nature:
Anger is an intense emotional response often characterized by feelings of displeasure, irritation, or hostility. In the biblical context, anger can be both a natural human emotion and a potential spiritual stumbling block. It is important to distinguish between righteous and unrighteous anger, as the Bible provides guidance on both.

Biblical References and Teachings:
The Bible acknowledges anger as a part of human experience but warns against allowing it to lead to sin.Ephesians 4:26-27 advises, "Be angry, yet do not sin. Do not let the sun set upon your anger, and do not give the devil a foothold." This passage suggests that while anger itself is not inherently sinful, it can become a gateway to sin if not managed properly.

Righteous Anger:
Righteous anger is directed towards injustice, sin, or evil, reflecting God's own anger towards unrighteousness. Jesus exemplified righteous anger when He cleansed the temple, driving out those who were exploiting it for profit (Matthew 21:12-13). This form of anger aligns with God's will and purposes, seeking to uphold holiness and justice.

Unrighteous Anger:
Unrighteous anger, on the other hand, is self-centered and often leads to destructive behavior.James 1:19-20 instructs, "Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger, for man's anger does not bring about the righteousness that God desires." This type of anger is often impulsive and can result in harm to oneself and others.

Consequences of Uncontrolled Anger:
The Bible warns of the dangers of unchecked anger.Proverbs 29:11 states, "A fool vents all his anger, but a wise man holds it back." Uncontrolled anger can lead to broken relationships, violence, and spiritual separation from God. It is often associated with folly and a lack of self-control.

Managing Anger:
Scripture provides guidance on managing anger in a way that honors God.Colossians 3:8 urges believers to "rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips." This involves a conscious effort to cultivate patience, forgiveness, and love, as seen inProverbs 15:1 : "A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger."

Forgiveness and Reconciliation:
Forgiveness is a key component in dealing with anger.Ephesians 4:31-32 encourages believers to "get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and tenderhearted to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you." This reflects the transformative power of forgiveness in overcoming anger and restoring relationships.

God's Anger:
The Bible also speaks of God's anger, which is always righteous and just. God's anger is directed towards sin and disobedience, as seen inRomans 1:18 : "The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people who suppress the truth by their wickedness." Unlike human anger, God's anger is perfectly balanced with His love and mercy.

Practical Application:
Believers are called to reflect God's character in their response to anger. This involves prayer, seeking the Holy Spirit's guidance, and applying biblical principles to resolve conflicts. By doing so, Christians can transform anger into an opportunity for growth and witness to the peace of Christ in their lives.

Topical Bible Verses

Ephesians 4:26-27
Be you angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down on your wrath:
Topicalbible.org

Psalm 37:8
Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not yourself in any wise to do evil.
Topicalbible.org

James 1:20
For the wrath of man works not the righteousness of God.
Topicalbible.org

Proverbs 29:11
A fool utters all his mind: but a wise man keeps it in till afterwards.
Topicalbible.org

Library

Whether a Man's Excellence is the Cause of hisBeing Angry?
... ANGER (FOUR ARTICLES) [*There is no further mention of these remedies in the text,
except in A .] Whether a man's excellence is the cause of hisbeing angry?...

How the Angel of God Put a Question to Brother Elias, Guardian of...
... for I wish to put a question to him, having heard that he is full of wisdom." Then
Brother Masseo going, called Brother Elias; but he,being angry, refused to...

Jonah the Narrow-Minded Patriot
... O Jehovah, take now, I beg of thee, my life from me; for it is better for me to
die than to live!" But Jehovah said, "Are you doing right inbeing angry?"....

Men,Being by Nature the Children of Wrath, Needed a Mediator. In...
... Chapter 33."Men,Being by Nature the Children of Wrath, Needed a Mediator.
In What Sense God is Said to BeAngry. And so the human...

Whether a Person's Defect is a Reason forBeing More EasilyAngry...
... Therefore littleness of a person is a reason forbeing lessangry with him.
Objection 2: Further, there is no greater defect than death....

JesusAngry with Hard Hearts
...being grieved for the hardness of their hearts." It is the divine Lord, the pitiful
Jesus, the meek and lowly in heart, who is here described asbeing angry....

How St. Augustine,Being Made a Bishop, Sent to Acquaint Pope...
... As very often bybeing angry we correct faults, and at the same time disturb our
own peace of mind; and though that which we do is right, yet it is not to be...

How Brother Giles Lived by the Labour of his Hands
... Brother Giles answered: "How can I take the vessel half filled to the monks?" On
this the man,being angry, spoke many hard and reproachful words to Brother...

of the Woman driven into the Wilderness.
... the 12th chapter; since as soon as the dragon is cast out by Michael, the woman
flies from his face into the wilderness, and the dragonbeing angry, that he...

The Restoration of the Jews.
... Instead of resenting it, andbeing angry with me for delivering my message, it becomes
you to look at your sins, and repent of them, and forsake them....