Selfish Anger With Words That Burn OR Righteous Anger With Words Of Grace

By F. D. Adkins

Today, I have two topics on my heart… anger and words. And I am combining these two topics because anger is such a powerful emotion that sometimes leads us to say things that we do not mean.

Is it okay for Christians to be angry? Well, I believe that with anything in question, we should look to Jesus as our example. He went to the cross sinless and perfect… a flawless lamb. So, did Jesus ever become angry? We see Jesus’ anger displayed in Matthew 21 when He turned over the tables in the Temple. But His anger was not selfish or sinful… His anger was righteous… His anger was out of love for God. They had turned God’s House into a business. Take a look at Jesus’ words in Matthew 21:13 (KJV). “And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves.” (Note the words, “It is written.” Jesus used the same words in quoting scripture when He was tempted by the devil.) Jesus explains why He is upset by quoting the Word of God.  Isaiah 56:7 (KJV) says, “… for mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people.” But Jesus’ anger did not lead Him to sin. In the next verse, He healed the sick that came into the Temple. “And the blind and the lame came to him in the temple; and he healed them.” Matthew 21:14 KJV. Jesus pointed out the wrongdoing (the actions that were going against the will of God), but then He followed up by demonstrating the love of God by caring for the sick.

Let’s look at another example in Mark, Chapter 10, when the people brought their children to Jesus and the disciples turned them away. The Bible says Jesus was “displeased” at this. Take a look at the entire text. “But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein. And he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them.” Mark 10:14-16 (KJV). Jesus explained why He was upset, but then He followed up with the love of God. He took the children in His arms and blessed them.

Ephesians 4:16 KJV states, “Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath.” Anger is a human emotion. This verse tells us it is okay to be angry, but that anger cannot lead to sin. We see Jesus become angry, but His anger is not selfish or prideful. His anger is selfless and out of reverence for God and God’s Word. His anger is righteous. However, unrighteous anger comes from our sinful, selfish nature. And James 1:20 (KJV) says, “For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.”

Now, let’s talk about ‘words’ because often anger leads to harsh words.

Our words should build one another up, and if the words coming out of our mouth doesn’t build someone up, we shouldn’t say them. And as I type this, I can’t help but think that if this verse were put into practice, most arguments would never make it out of the gate.

• “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.” Ephesians 4:29 KJV

We are to be “slow to speak”, or in other words, think before we speak. Are our words true? Are our words helpful? Are our words inspiring? Are our words necessary? Are our words kind?

• “Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath.” James 1:19 KJV.

And this next verse should be great motivation in our efforts to be “slow to speak.”

• “But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.” Matthew 12:36 KJV

Here are my final thoughts on this study.

• Our anger should be rooted in our love for God and His Word. Our anger should be a response in taking a stand for God and against evil.
• Our anger should cause us to react in a positive way. Remember, Jesus healed the sick and took the children in His arms.
• As Christians, our lives should reflect Jesus, and so should our words.

Ephesians 4:29 states, “… let not the sun go down upon your wrath.” Throughout history, family members have lost years with loved ones over petty arguments. But the Bible says, “let not the sun go down.” So, we shouldn’t go to bed with an unresolved argument.

And as far as words, I have been thinking a lot about the words I speak. What if I never see the person I am talking to again? Would I regret anything I said? Would I regret anything that I didn’t say? Would I wish that I had told someone I loved them? Would I wish that I had told someone about Jesus? Words are powerful and a gift God gave only to humans. How do we use this superpower?

Let this verse be our prayer:

Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer. Psalm 19:14 KJV