Is It Wrong To Be Angry?

Have I ever made you really, really angry?  REALLY angry! Although I do not know the answer to that question, I am sure of one thing. If we are around each other long enough, I will at least disappoint you or do something that causes you to be hurt or to be angry with me. Why? Because I have a miserable, old sin nature and still struggle with it. (So do you.) 

What will make you angry with me? It may be a misunderstanding or it may be a broken promise. Something might be lost, damaged, or not returned. Thoughtless words may be said. There could be an argument and bitter words may be exchanged. Maybe I will lose my patience and hurt your feelings. It is hard to know, but sooner or later I will do something that is not right. And when that happens, you will be hurt or angry.

Is it wrong to be angry? No. There are times that we should be angry. We should be angry when someone robs a bank, wantonly destroys property, injures someone willfully, or does something unjust. But God has something to say about our anger and our response to it. There is a right way and a wrong way to be angry. 

• The Bible says to be angry and sin not.
• God has told us not to let the sun go down on our wrath (intense anger).
• Jesus said that if we hate another we have committed murder in our hearts.
• God says that vengeance belongs to HIM. He is the one who judges and exercises justice.
• We are to forgive others as GOD has forgiven us.
• We are not to allow ourselves to become bitter and hold grudges.  

Jesus has some sobering words for us in Matthew six. In the fourteenth and fifteenth verses He says, "For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you,  but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." Wow!

The first reason to forgive is in obedience to God. Another reason is to keep our relationships among one another honorable. For example, if at all possible we are to live at peace with everyone. We also forgive others for our own sake. Even if I don't want to make things right with you, forgive me for your own peace of mind.

Let's always bear in mind what God's Word has to say to us and let's lean on the Lord to help us live in obedience to it. In Ephesians four (NLT) we read: "Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.  And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption.
Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you."