Dealing with Anger

“Be angry, and yet do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, 27 and do not give the devil an opportunity.” Ephesians 4:26-27

“Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.” Ephesians 4:31-32

A jarring tackle by a linebacker on a running back at midfield is perfectly acceptable behavior. On the other hand, a blow by the same linebacker on the same running back out of bounds is a rule of infraction met by a penalty.

It is helpful to think of anger in similar terms. If we keep our anger within certain acceptable bounds, it is not sin. David’s anger is obvious in the Psalms. Jesus visibly vented His anger in the temple. Nowhere are these actions described as sin.

But when anger crosses certain boundaries, it becomes sinful behavior. Knowing those emotional and spiritual land lines is difficult, but here are a few helpful guidelines.

Anger is ok so long as it is not a synonym for a constant, irritable temper. If you frequently stew over matters and are quickly irritated, you are not walking in the Spirit. You need His self-control and a megadose of biblical love.

Anger is acceptable as long as it is directed at another’s behavior and not the person himself. God does not treat us as our sins deserve; likewise, we must be careful not to attack a person’s self-worth. Let your anger be directed at the problem, not the person. Don’t always suppress your feelings. Express your ire, but keep it within legitimate bounds.

“Unholy tempers are always unhappy tempers.” -John Wesley