I used to think that Christians should never get angry, but the Bible acknowledges that we will be angry sometimes. The issue is what we do with our anger.
Did you know that there are at least 113 references to the word, “angry” in the Bible? So what does God say about anger? He doesn’t say we can’t be angry, but just to manage it like how he does.
Own up to the emotion. Say it. "I am angry." But don’t forget to seek a solution. Ask for forgiveness if you say or do something hurtful out of your reaction to your anger, but understand that it won’t go away as long as you don't work through it in a healthy way.
It is interesting to note that this verse ties anger to speaking truthfully. Have you ever asked someone that you knew who was angry at you, “Are you mad at me?” only to have them deny it? It is not healthy to stuff our anger, but it is difficult to acknowledge our own anger with the person we are angry with. Somehow, God also links holding onto our anger as letting the Devil have a foothold in our lives!
Even God gets angry. Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy (Micah 7:18). But he does not stay angry. He forgives and shows mercy to people who sin against him.
Our challenge as angry people is to do the same.
Father God, thank you for your mercy towards us! Help us to show mercy to those who anger us. Remind us not to hold on to our anger, but to give it to you! Amen.
Go Deeper — Is there someone who has hurt you? Be honest about your anger but then release it to God, and let him take it. Choose to show mercy instead, not because that person deserves your mercy, but because God has shown mercy to you!
Photo Credit: Ryan Franco