James 1:19-20 My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.
Anger is an intense primary emotion. It is an antagonizing emotion to pain and a reactionary emotion to express negative feelings. Anger can be a result of hurt, insult, shame, betrayal, helplessness, lack of control or agony. Like fear, anger is not a bad emotion but an instinctive response to threats. However, uncontrollable anger is dangerous and damaging to both the body and the mind. In seconds, impulsive anger can turn a pleasant conversation into a heated argument. Anger, though a necessary emotion, becomes problematic when it pushes us to do or say something that we regret later. Uncontrolled anger can damage relationships and cause irreparable dents.
The Bible talks about “slow anger”. On the contrary, quick-anger or hotheadedness will result in sinful behaviour and harmful actions. James also mentions “the anger of man” and “the anger of God”. The anger of man is a reactionary emotion when the ego is hurt; or it could be an outburst of envy or exasperation. However, the anger of God is a result of love. God’s anger or ‘holy anger’ restores and reinstates godly morals and values, whereas human anger is driven by selfish gains. A reaction to a slanderous comment on social media or to road rage is ‘hotheaded anger’ and not ‘holy anger’.
God’s anger is an expression of love. For whom the LORD loves He chastens, And scourges every son whom He receives.” (Hebrews 12:6). Human anger is a reactionary response to shame, slander or selfishness. Human impetuous anger will not accentuate Christ-likeness.
Anger of Man vs. Anger of God:
1. Egoistic Anger: Do not react instinctively and egotistically and call it ‘holy anger’. Jesus did not make a whip and beat the money lenders out of the temple because His ego was hurt. He chased the traders out as the temple had become a marketplace where the impoverished were coerced and cheated.
2. Envious Anger: If we slowdown the thoughts that irate anger we will be able to dissect and understand the root of the problem. Jealousy is an uneasy qualm that someone is going to take what you have but envy is a demonic desire to take/possess what someone else has. In most cases, it would be envy, incited by egoistic thoughts that drive an instinctive and intransigent rude response.
3. Exasperated Anger: Exasperated anger is a result of constant nagging, provoking or triggering. It is a tipping point when harassment and hurt bursts out in anger and rage. The only way to overcome exasperated anger is to distract yourself with something that you enjoy. Listen to music, go for a walk, sing, praise and worship to replace and calm down the angry thoughts that could break out as angry words.
Egoistic, envious or exasperated anger will not accomplish God’s will or righteousness. Slow down the angry thoughts.
Ephesians 4:26 “Be angry and do not sin.”
Prayer: Jesus the Prince of Peace, teach me to kill ego, envy and impatient exasperation. Help my heart to be patient and not turbulent and tumultuous. Amen.
Leave a Reply