How to Deal with Anger

A Christian Perspective on Righteous vs. Unrighteous Anger

Anger is a universal human emotion that everyone experiences, yet many Christians struggle with understanding when anger is justified and when it becomes sinful. Jesus addressed this complex topic in His famous Sermon on the Mount, providing clear guidance on how believers should handle their anger in a way that honors God and builds relationships rather than destroying them.

What Did Jesus Say About Anger?

In Matthew 5:21-26, Jesus takes the commandment "You shall not murder" and reveals its deeper spiritual meaning. He explains that murder doesn't begin with the physical act - it starts much earlier with uncontrolled anger in the heart.

"'You have heard that our ancestors were told, you must not murder. If you commit murder, you are subject to judgment. But I say if you are even angry with someone, you are subject to judgment. If you call someone an idiot, you are in danger of being brought before the court. And if you curse someone, you are in dangers of the fires of hell.'" - Matthew 5:21-22

Jesus isn't condemning all anger as sinful. Rather, He's addressing a specific type of anger - the kind that nurses grudges, seeks revenge, and refuses to be pacified.

Is All Anger Wrong? Understanding Righteous AngerWhen Anger is Justified

Not all anger is sinful. There is such a thing as righteous anger, and Jesus Himself demonstrated this. When He cleansed the temple, He was angry at the religious leaders who were exploiting people seeking forgiveness. They were charging exorbitant prices for sacrificial animals and preventing people from accessing God's forgiveness.

Jesus also called the Pharisees "blind fools" when He saw their stubborn hearts and lack of compassion. His anger was directed at sin and injustice, not personal offense.

Characteristics of Righteous Anger

Righteous anger has several key characteristics:

We should be angry at wickedness in our world - terrorism, child abuse, injustice, and anything that hurts people and separates them from God. Our lack of anger at such things can actually be a moral failure and a lack of love.

When Anger Becomes SinfulThe Root of Unrighteous Anger

Most of the time, our anger is unrighteous. We get angry because:

The Greek word Jesus uses for anger in this passage refers to "long-lived anger" - the kind that we nurse and keep warm, refusing to let go of our right to be angry.

The Progression from Anger to Murder

Jesus shows how unchecked anger progresses:

"'Anyone who hates another brother or sister is really a murderer at heart.'" - 1 John 3:15

How Should Christians Deal with Anger?Deal with It Quickly

Jesus emphasizes the importance of addressing anger immediately: "'Don't sin by letting anger control you. Don't let the sun go down while you are still angry.'" - Ephesians 4:26

Delayed resolution allows anger to fester and grow into bitterness and hatred.

Pursue Reconciliation

Jesus provides a clear path for dealing with anger in relationships:

This means:

Rely on the Holy Spirit

Self-control is a fruit of the Spirit, not something we can manufacture through willpower alone. "'When the Holy Spirit controls our lives, he will produce this kind of fruit in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.'" - Galatians 5:22-23

We must daily surrender our lives to the Holy Spirit and allow Him to produce the character of Christ in us.

The Connection Between Anger and WorshipBroken Relationships Hinder Our Relationship with God

Jesus makes it clear that unresolved anger affects our ability to worship God authentically. If we're harboring bitterness toward others, our worship becomes hollow and hypocritical.

The prophet Jeremiah warned: "'Do you really think that you can steal and murder and commit adultery and lie... and then come here and stand before me in my temple and chant we're safe?'" - Jeremiah 7:9-10

Forgiveness is Not Optional

Jesus taught that our forgiveness from God is connected to our willingness to forgive others. This doesn't mean we have to feel like forgiving - forgiveness is an act of the will, not an emotion.

As Corrie ten Boom discovered when she encountered her former concentration camp guard, forgiveness is a choice we make regardless of our feelings. When she chose to extend her hand in forgiveness, God provided the emotional healing that followed.

Life Application

This week, examine your heart for any anger, bitterness, or unforgiveness you've been nursing. Choose to be the spiritually mature person in your relationships by taking the first step toward reconciliation.

Questions for reflection:

Remember, those who learn to forgive find freedom and healing, while those who nurse bitterness remain trapped in their pain. Choose forgiveness - not just for others, but for your own spiritual and emotional health.