There is an old saying that a man is a fool who can’t be angry, but a man is wise who won’t be. Anger is a common emotion that we must all learn to deal with. The Bible says, “Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: neither give place to the devil” (Ephesians 4:26-27).
This teaches us that not all anger is sin. There must be anger in the Christian life, but it must be the right kind of anger. There would be something essentially missing in a person who had lost his faculty for being angry. Crossness, bad temper, and irritability are without defense. But there is an anger without which the world would be a poorer place. The anger that we need is an anger against sin and evil and injustice.
There were times when even Jesus was angry. He showed deep moral resentment against those who turned the Temple into a house of merchandise. We need more of this holy anger in our world today.
But we must be careful lest our anger becomes sinful. Add the letter “D” to anger and it spells “Danger.”
When does anger become sin? Anger that is selfish, undisciplined, and uncontrolled is always sinful. Anger should be speedily disposed of. Quarrels and resentments should be quickly resolved. Anger that is cherished is sinful and is a mighty weapon of Satan. When we lose control of ourselves Satan takes control of us.
Do you have trouble with anger? There is help available. Turn to Christ. When we give him control of our life, he in turn gives us self-control and we can master anger.