Be Angry But Do no Sin

Anger is increasingly on display in our culture. We see it expressed on social media and in public square. The Bible warns us “the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God” (James 1:20). Yehovah describes Himself as “slow to anger” (Exodus 34:6) and teaches us to “Be not quick in your spirit to become angry” (Ecclesiastes 7:9). The Bible does not forbid anger. The Bible does define how Christians should manage anger when it occurs.

Ephesians 4:26-27 teaches us to “Be angry (orgizó) and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger (parorgismō), and give no opportunity to the devil.”

The Greek word for angry in this passage is orgizó. It describes a settled or established opposition that comes from an ongoing or fixed opposition. It is not a sudden outburst. It describes God's fixed, controlled, passionate feeling against sin. A settled indignation. The focus of the anger is the sin not the sinner.

The Greek word for “anger” in this passage is parorgismō. It describes an emotion of irritation provoked by someone causing a personal sense of anger. The focus of the anger is the sinner not the sin.

If we focus on the person and not the action, then this can give the devil the opportunity to temp us to sin by lashing out against the sinner. We avoid sinning when we are obedient “to not let the sun go down on your anger.” We must immediately address our feelings of anger when they occur. We must test ourselves to see if we are managing it as God directs. If we do not, then the anger may smolder and grow until we do fall into sin.

Christians may be hurt by the sins of other including being wrongfully hated, “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first” (John 15:18). We can control our anger because we trust in God. Jesus taught us to “love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:44-45).

The Apostle Peter tells us, “even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed... For it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil” (1 Peter 3:14, 17). We also know that “in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28). This truth applies even to events that anger us.

Finally, Romans 12:19 tells us to not to seek retribution against those that hurt us. “Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord.” If we do this and show sinners God’s love then we will “not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:21).

God will help us to control our anger.