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“I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, with all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;” (Ephesians 4:1-2.)
Introduction
Anger is an emotion given to us by God, but as is the case with all our emotions, we must keep it under control. While there is a place for ‘righteous anger’ most of the time we use the unrighteous variety.
Meek and Angry!
How it is possible for a lowly and meek believer to display anger? Does not this make him a hypocrite? Should not Bible-believing Christians be passive, never getting upset over anything?
As believers we do have the right to be angry under certain conditions. In the same epistle where Paul encourages us to have “lowliness and meekness”, he writes, “Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: Neither give place to the devil” (Ephesians 4:26-27.) We allow Satan to hinder our worthy walk when righteous anger becomes bitter, worldly and sinful.
Not all anger is sinful, but even righteous anger must be kept under control. Solomon, in reference to an uncontrolled man, says, “He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls” (Proverbs 25:28.) This means that any uncontrolled emotion can leave us vulnerable to spiritual weakness and bondage. No wonder Paul warns us to “give no place to the devil.”
Solomon also speaks of those who do have self-control, “He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city” (Proverbs 16:32.) “Slow to anger” here is the same as “not easily provoked” (1 Corinthians 13:5.) Therefore, the believer who is spiritually minded will not be defeated by his emotions, but instead will “take a city” (e.g. be strong and mighty in God), or in other words, “Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5.) Such a one proves that he can walk worthy of Christ.
The Tough Side of Meekness
Meekness has its tough side! Instead of being intimidated by sin, temptation or other people, the believer submits his life to the Lord Jesus Christ and is obedient to His will. As God’s children we ought to be angry over the same things that offend Him. We are angry at wickedness in society. Abortion is an abomination to us. Homosexuality is offensive. Does it not pierce our hearts when the world ridicules the Saviour’s name? We have no alternative but to speak up. How can a believer not become angry and show righteous indignation towards the gross sinfulness all around? “Ye that love the LORD, hate evil … I hate every false way.” (Psalm 97:10; 119:104) Nevertheless, when personally offended he does not seek revenge. Yes, we feel the same way David felt when he wrote, “Do not I hate them, O LORD, that hate Thee? and am not I grieved with those that rise up against Thee? I hate them with perfect hatred: I count them mine enemies” (Psalm 139:21-22), but he added, “Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: and see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting” (Psalm 139:23-24.)
Conclusion
When righteous anger becomes ungodly, sinful and malicious it ceases to be righteous. Yes, the “zeal of God” might “consume” us (Psalm 119:139), but we must never allow such an emotion to become vindictive. When James and John wanted to call fire down on the Samaritans who rejected their Lord, Jesus “turned, and rebuked them, and said, Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of. For the Son of man is not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them” (Luke 9:55-56.)
There is a right time for righteous anger, and there are right reasons for righteous anger, but we must always remember to walk worthy of our vocation.