Good morning, friends, beautiful people, Christians, non-Christians, and everyone else who’s here.
Welcome! My name is Alexander from the Ascension Academy, and today, I want to explore a topic that often causes confusion: anger. There’s a lot of misunderstanding about Christianity and anger, and it’s time to unpack what it really means to be angry as a person of faith.
Watch the full video here:
The Misconception About Anger and Christianity
Many people believe that Christians are supposed to forgive unconditionally, never feel anger, and always remain pleasant, sacrificial, and calm. But is that realistic — or even biblical? If we look at the example of Jesus, often viewed as the epitome of love and kindness, we see something more nuanced.
Consider the story of Jesus in the temple. Instead of calmly asking the tax collectors to stop misusing a sacred space, He flipped their tables. This wasn’t a passive or “nice” reaction — it was righteous anger, directed toward injustice and wrongdoing.
What Does the Bible Say About Anger?
This brings us to an important scripture, Ephesians 4:26: “In your anger, do not sin.” Notice that it doesn’t say, “Do not get angry.” Anger itself isn’t the problem; it’s what we do with it that matters.
Wrath, often considered a cardinal sin, is different from anger. Wrath implies uncontrolled, destructive rage, while anger can be a justified, natural response to injustice or betrayal.
For example, imagine someone breaks your trust or violates a sacred bond, such as infidelity in a marriage. Feeling angry is not only natural but also justified. The key is to handle that anger constructively.
How to Respond to Anger
Jesus experienced human emotions, including anger, but He never acted out destructively. When He flipped the tables in the temple, it wasn’t an impulsive outburst; it was a deliberate action to confront wrongdoing. This teaches us that anger can sometimes be necessary to highlight an issue or correct a wrong.
However, there’s a critical balance to maintain. Anger doesn’t give us permission to be cruel or vengeful. Instead, we’re called to confront issues with clarity and purpose, without resorting to sin.
If you’re angry, express it, but do so wisely. For example:
- Communicate clearly: Let the person know what hurt or upset you.
- Avoid destructive actions: Don’t lash out physically, emotionally, or through impulsive decisions.
- Seek resolution: Anger should lead to growth and understanding, not prolonged conflict.
Forgiveness and Accountability
Anger and forgiveness can coexist. Forgiving someone doesn’t mean ignoring their wrongdoing or excusing harmful behavior. Even Jesus forgave only those who were repentant. Forgiveness in the Bible often required acknowledgment of sin and a willingness to change.
This balance between forgiveness and accountability is vital. It reflects Jesus’ character — He was kind, but He wasn’t always “nice” in the way people imagine.
Being Kind, Not Just “Nice”
One of the biggest lessons we can learn from Jesus is that being perpetually “nice” isn’t the same as being Christ-like. “Nice” often implies avoiding conflict or being a pushover, but Jesus wasn’t afraid to confront hypocrisy, call out sin, and stand firm when needed.
He was kind, wise, and discerning. He showed love, but He didn’t shy away from difficult conversations or actions when justice and truth were at stake.
The Takeaway
Anger is a natural and sometimes necessary emotion. It’s okay to feel angry — it’s part of being human. What’s important is how we handle that anger. Use it to stand up for what’s right, address injustices, or communicate your needs. But always act with purpose, care, and restraint.
Remember, Jesus wasn’t just a “nice guy.” He was kind, strong, and courageous. As His followers, we’re called to embody those qualities as well. So the next time you feel anger rising, channel it in a way that reflects both truth and love.
