"But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth." Colossians 3:8
The inciting factors vary, but we are all familiar with sinful anger. Countries wage all manners of war - civil wars, cold wars, trade wars, cyber wars, etc. - led by angry people hungry for more power, money, or resources. Political parties bash each other in anger without shame. Employees go “postal” over perceived injustices in the workplace and lash out in anger. Road rage over drivers who are too slow, too fast, reckless, or just rude is rampant. Children throw tantrums, siblings fight, parents lose it, friends betray.
Sinful anger is frequently found in the body of Christ as well, with quarrels over doctrine and scripture interpretation abounding. Even anger at God is not uncommon, as in the case with Jonah, who was furious with God because of the mercy God showed to the Ninevites who were Israel's enemies.
Indeed, it is surprising if we can make it through a day without encountering sinful anger in some measure. It is easy to recognize. Sinful anger is rooted in the flesh. It protects and serves self. It surfaces in the face of inconvenience, embarrassment, and wounded pride. Sinful anger is punitive and demeaning. It seeks revenge; it is impatient, self-righteous, and demanding. It is ugly, argumentative, sometimes loud, and always destructive.
"Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God." James 1:19-20
The Bible makes it clear that sinful anger is not productive; it does not produce righteousness in our lives or the lives of others. But what can we do when our anger builds to the point of eruption? Is there a way to “be angry” about sin and its offense but not sin in response?
The world offers solutions such as venting your anger through exercise or by hitting a pillow or punching bag. They offer tips on breathing out your anger or counting to calm down. They make suggestions for identifying the things that make you angry (wrongly labeling them “triggers”) and making a plan to avoid them and manage your anger. And while these recommendations might have the appearance of wisdom and might modify your behavior for a time, they ultimately lack the power to change your heart.
But through the cross of Christ, God has made a way for us to “Be angry and do not sin.” (Ephesians 4:26a). When we suffer offense of any kind and we feel anger rising within, we can look to Jesus and His cross to see that God has avenged us through the cross. Look to the cross of Christ and see the ugliness of sin and the wrath of God poured out on Jesus. As you behold the terrible cross of Christ, understand that no anger of yours will ever produce the righteousness that comes through the cross of Christ. Agree with God that His anger is enough and allow His peace to overwhelm and quiet your heart and mind.