Is it ever right to be angry?

on May 26, 2022

From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham

Q: The Bible indicates that God is sometimes angry. I become angry about many things and I’m a Christian. I feel guilty about it but when I see children mistreated and injustices around the world, I cannot contain my anger. Is it ever right to be angry? – C.A.

A: God’s anger is always just. Even His anger is righteous, because it is directed solely against evil. Jesus forcefully drove out from the temple those who were callously making money (Matthew 21:12-13).

In much the same way, when we see children abused, we should speak out and pray that righteous anger will lead to solutions to protect the helpless. We must be careful, however, that our anger is not a cover for lovelessness or self-righteousness. Anger and bitterness (as well as hatred, jealousy, and resentment) aren’t identical, but they are closely related. Bitterness is anger gone sour, an attitude of deep discontent that poisons our souls and destroys our peace.

Paul’s anger against Christians was replaced with a burning passion to spread the Gospel. Peter’s anger was channeled into boldness for Christ. Our goal should be to reflect Christ in all that we do. As Christians, we have an obligation to show others what God says about being responsible for our moral actions, as God defines them.

The heart is the center of our emotions and the seat of decisive action. Our emotions can lie to us, and we need to check our emotions against the Word of God. While we strive to live as Jesus would have us live, He will help us direct our emotions. His truth does not differ from one age to another, from one people to another, or from one geographical location to another. His great all-prevailing truth stands for time and eternity.

========

(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)