Friday, November 13, 2009

Is Anger Bad or Sinful?

Most people are quick to point out the negative aspects of anger, but being angry is not always bad. Some people have been taught that anger is sinful, that it is not pleasing to God. Anger itself is not a sin; it is a natural, God-given response.

Ephesians 4:26-27 says, "Be angry, and yet do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and do not give the devil an opportunity" (NASB). God tells us in this verse to go ahead and get angry, but He also tells us not to sin in our anger.

"There may be times when the anger can be fully appropriate," says Dr. Les Carter. "There may be times when the anger is necessary or required. It all depends on why you're angry, what you're doing with your anger, and what the purpose of it is. You need to be judicious in your use of anger."

The Scriptures teach much about God's character, and there are several instances in the Bible when God is angered.

"The LORD's anger burned against Israel and he made them wander in the desert forty years, until the whole generation of those who had done evil in his sight was gone" (Numbers 32:13).

"If you violate the covenant of the LORD your God, which he commanded you, and go and serve other gods and bow down to them, the LORD's anger will burn against you, and you will quickly perish from the good land he has given you" (Joshua 23:16).

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