Have you noticed all of the people screaming at each other? I know there always have been hotheads, but it seems like anywhere you turn, whether near or far, you see red faces and hear raised voices. Why?
Jesus said, “Let your yes be yes and your no be no,” in talking about oaths, that is, making ourselves bigger than we are for effect. Anger does much the same thing. We get puffed up, and on an adrenaline high, say things that many times we come to regret. Or should regret.
Of course Jesus parallels anger with murder (Matthew 5:21, 22), implying not so subtly that violence, in seed form, is embedded in the angry comments or gestures we make. Anger is not the problem, but rather a symptom of something cooking within.
James (1:20, 21) bottom lines the issue with the warning, “(be) slow to anger, for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.” That is quite a statement, and draws us up short.
Never? Never. My anger NEVER produces God’s righteousness.
“It’s righteous indignation.” Whose righteousness?
“I have a right to be angry.” And who is keeping score?
“I can’t sleep, and it’s his fault.” Have you forgiven him?
Of course when God’s laws are violated, our conscience itself rises up and wants justice. We should be outraged at injustice, fight for the oppressed, and find ways to prevent further abuse.
But that is not the “anger of man,” which clouds our judgment, muddles our response, and can cause us to take matters into our hands. Most of the anger we see around us and in us is more about intimidating others to get out of our way or punishing them for their offences. And that is helpful to no one.
“In your anger, do not sin;
when you are on your beds,
search your hearts and be silent.
Offer right sacrifices,
and trust in the Lord.”
Psalm 4:4, 5