Anger

Anger is an emotion that affects us all. However, few tend to think of anger with biblical eyes (Eph. 1:17-19). When we consider the whole Bible, about ten Hebrew words are often associated with anger. For instance, in Proverbs 9:7-8 there are two words together that are the translations “scoffer” from the Hebrew word loots which is a mocker, and “scoffer” from the Hebrew word law-tsats, which means to deride. And these, along with the other Old Testament words are found in approximately seven hundred places or so. In the New Testament, there are five Greek words or word groups that are associated with anger and are found in nearly sixty verses or passages. One is aganaktesis, which is the indignation Jesus felt toward the disciples when they rebuked the parents who were bringing children to him (Mark 10:13-16). Another Greek word is orgḗ, which is wrathful indignation (Eph. 4:31; Col. 3:8; James 1:19)  Also, we have to consider that it is not enough to simply do a word search on anger and related passages because we can learn much from narrative passages that have the theme of anger, or absence of love like the Good Samaritan parable, or the inclusion of scorn like the Wisdom literature passage. Therefore, when we think biblically of anger, we understand that as an emotion there exist manifestations of internal feelings and often external actions aroused by something unjust, unworthy, unfair, or mean.

Next, I believe Midgley and Ash tell us in The Heart of Anger that when anger is triggered it always reveals in some way what the angry person truly values and treasures. Something rises in the heart when something valued or treasured is threatened or taken away. If one feels they may lose it, they become angry in anticipation of loss. If one loses it, then anger arises from the actual loss.  And the Bible particularly highlights four kinds of a treasure whose loss, or threatened loss, triggers anger: Control – particularly over plans and dreams (Dan. 2-3; 2 Sam. 6:8-9); Possessions – possessions are closely linked to control because when we own something we control it or when we don’t own something there is lack of control, and the desire over possessions can lead to anger when frustrated (1 Kings 21); Sexual Intimacy and Delight – Both men and women place a high value on sexual relations, so much so that when intimacy in marriage is threatened anger arises (Prov. 6:32-35; 2 Sam. 13); and Reputation – we often call it wounded pride where we value our reputation, our name, and the high esteem that others will hold us that when anything happens to threaten that high regard, then anger is triggered (Num. 22; 1 Sam. 25).

Then we must understand that anger manifests in two ways: there is righteous anger and there is sinful anger. Righteous anger is the anger that God expresses. Some examples of God expressing His anger are when we love other things more than Him (Psa. 78:58; Hos. 3:1; 1 Kings 16:26), we are unjust toward one another (Prov. 6:16-19; Jer. 11:18-20; 2 Thess. 1:6-7), and we are stumbling blocks to others’ relationship with Him (Luke 17:1-4; Matt. 21:12-14; Rom. 14:13ff). We do not express perfect anger like God. Our anger is tainted by sin (Ecc. 9:3; Rom. 7:21). Therefore, God’s Word by the Holy Spirit shows us an important key to understanding our hearts. The focus isn’t whether we are angry but why we are angry. Anger reveals something about the human heart. It shows what one truly values and treasures. It also reveals our attitude to God who is our covenant God, and sovereign over every aspect of our life.

Finally, there are some ways to have victory over sinful anger. Only a regenerated covenant child has this ability because he or she is given the dunamis, “dynamite,” sanctifying power of the Holy Spirit (John 14:15-18; Rom. 8:12-13; Gal. 5:16-17; 2 Tim. 1:6-7). Matthew Elliott tells us in his book Faithful Feelings that we can process anger from the cognitive dimension. First, there is perception. I see or hear something happening to me. Then comes appraisal. I evaluate this phenomenon. Finally comes emotion. I feel in a way that is biblically appropriate to my perception and my appraisal.

Another way we can have victory over sinful anger is through the sanctification of personal transformation of heart and behavior as Paul explains in Ephesian 4:25-32. Here he teaches us to “put off” our sin and “put on” Christlikeness. Anger can clearly be put away from us. Verses 31-32 teach us this. It does not mean we won’t experience anger or feel anger, but when we do, we can take it off through the power of the Holy Spirit. Galatians 5:16 clearly says that people who walk in the Spirit need not struggle with anger. We all know that to bottle up or swallow anger is not the solution, and neither is exploding on someone. The former twists your thinking and ruins your health. The latter hurts your relationships and causes their emotional problems. The radical solution is to “put it away. Stop it.” Through the supernatural help of God. We can live out verse 32 and replace the emotional attributes of verse 31 with the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Rather than having the triggered aspect of anger empowers us, we have the Holy Spirit empower us to conquer the bitter, sarcastic words, anxiety, and bodily tensions. And violent behavior, that formerly characterizes us. When these are affecting our hearts, then we can diffuse the anger that tears down our relationship with God and with others and are built up to be more like our Savior, Jesus Christ.