ANGER

Sudden outbursts of temper are one fruit of sinful human nature. The Bible therefore repeatedly pictures the evils of such behaviour and warns God’s people to avoid it (Gen 49:6-7; Ps 37:8; Gal 5:1920; Eph 4:31-32; Col 3:8). Uncontrolled anger can have far-reaching consequences, producing violence and even murder (Matt 5:21-22; Luke 4:28-29; Acts 7:54,57-58; 21:27-36). It is important that a person in a position of responsibility in the church not be quick tempered (Titus 1:7).

Yet there may be cases where it is right to be angry. Those who are faithful to God should be angry at all forms of sin, whether that sin be rebellion against God or wrongdoing against other people (Exod 16:20; 32:19; 2 Sam 12:5; Neh 5:6-7; Matt 18:32-34). But because human nature is affected by sin, people find it difficult to be angry and at the same time not go beyond the limits that God allows (Ps 4:4; 106:32-33; Eph 4:26). Certainly it is wrong for people to be so angry that they try to take personal revenge. God’s people must be forgiving, and leave God to deal with those who do them wrong (Lev 19:18; Rom 12:19-21; see HATRED; REVENGE). If, in resisting wrongdoing, they are guilty of bad temper, they should not try to excuse their behaviour by claiming they are carrying out God’s righteous purposes (James 1:19-20). God’s anger is always pure, always just, always righteous (Exod 34:6-7; Rom 2:4-6; see WRATH)