What does the Bible say about my wrath and anger?
James 1:20 - "For the wrath of man worketh
not the righteousness of God."
“There were times Jesus seemed very angry. Jesus used the words “woe unto you...” when speaking to the Scribes and Pharisees (Matthew 23:13-39). The word “woe” is an expression of both judgment and grief. When it was me for harsh words to be spoken, they were uttered with tears. Jesus’ scolding’s to the religious leaders and His actions during the cleansing of the temple was condoned by God because Jesus was God (John 2:14-16; Mark 11:15-17). Also, Jesus did not sin or ever give way to sin (1 Peter 2:21-22). “For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth.”
Therefore, He had the authority to speak and act in righteous anger.
“If we are going to get passionate about something, we should be careful to remember that our wrath does not work the righteousness of God. It is not that we turn a blind eye to injustice and corruption. That is not the message here. Let’s keep our eyes on Jesus. It was not that Jesus never stood up for the oppressed – He gave His life for them! It was not like Jesus ignored the outcasts in society or overlooked the injured – He healed them and touched them and ministered to their needs every day! To them, He gave the words of life, healing, comfort, and encouragement. His teachings empowered them and gave them hope (Isaiah 61:1-3). There will be occasions when we must to speak up and times we must act. Discerning what to say and how to act and when, is unique in each situation.
"Remember the principles of the Savior:
- be wise as a serpent & gentle as a dove
- be thoughtful and prayerful
- be surrendered to God
- die to self
- constantly commune with the Heavenly Father
- be humble
“Follow Jesus’ example and seek Him first in all things.
Matthew 6:33 says,
“The power of prayer and the work of the Holy Spirit is much more effective in trying and complicated circumstances than words and actions when we are angry and worked up about something. Jesus has not called His disciples to be explosive and reactive about the things that disturb them. Unfortunately for some of us, those characteristics arise a little too easy and can be extremely difficult to control. Especially if toxic reactions are deeply embedded in the way our minds work.” (Excerpt from © 2024 Preparing for the Second Coming of Jesus by Wendy Armfield, Lesson 7)
Ephesians 4:26-27 - "In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold."
Psalms 37:8 - "Cease from anger and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil."
Proverbs 14:29 - "He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly."
Colossians 3:8 - "But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth."
