| Aristotle said, "Anybody
can become angry--that is easy; but to be angry with the right
person, to the right degree, at the right time, for the right
purpose, and in the right way--that is not easy!"
Ephesians 4:26 makes it clear that anger has a place in the
Christian's life. In fact, the lack of it could indicate spiritual
weakness. The Pulpit Commentary says that anger "arms
the passions quickly against evil, and operates with the force
and effectiveness of an instinct. If it is mingled with malice,
it becomes sinful; but if it is associated with a holy disposition,
it is safe and good. Jesus hated as well as loved. The two
emotions hang for their life upon each other. They are but
the two sides of one sublime emotion which turns life, so
often insipid and dull, into a vivid, balanced, and joyful
activity. So it is with anger. Under the inspiration of a
holy nature, it may flash forth with a marvelous power against
wickedness, untruth, and dishonor."
Becoming angry with someone because of personal resentment
or envy is sinful. But a holy anger, aroused by injustice
or evil, and accompanied by a sincere desire to see God's
will performed, is both healthy and effective.
Lord, help us to be angry and sin not
When anger springs up in my heart, dear Lord,
Because of the evil I see,
Just help me to channel the wrath that I feel
And do something noble through me.
The person who's not angry at evil lacks enthusiasm for good.
"We, as followers of Jesus, are sent into this world
to be visible signs of God's unconditional love. Thus we are
not first of all judged by what we say but by what we live."
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