How does one not sin when getting angry? Please hold the verses where it says not to go to bed while still angry. I already know that. That doesn't change the fact of this thread being created. If anger can easily become a problem many of us have, how is it okay to have an emotion but not sin? How does one do that? I think of Jesus (never sinned) tossing a table in the temple... If we tossed over a table in our house, we would be classified as having an anger problem. That part kinda doesn't make sense to me, considering how Jesus Himself did such thing. So how do we address anger then? (Not advocating starting to toss or throw things, by the way. Was using that as an example. Just got future clarification.)
Don't sin in your anger?
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W
Well...
It can probably mean lots of thins
but
let's imagine a guy walks up to you on the street and doesn't threaten you, but does insult you
- you could ignore
- you could respond in a decent manner
- you could retort
- you could knock him down
I am assuming Jesus would want us to chose one of the two first options
When Jesus overturned tables, it was because the people were sinning in a holy place
I am sure He doesn't expect us to allow people to defile His holy places
It can probably mean lots of thins
but
let's imagine a guy walks up to you on the street and doesn't threaten you, but does insult you
- you could ignore
- you could respond in a decent manner
- you could retort
- you could knock him down
I am assuming Jesus would want us to chose one of the two first options
When Jesus overturned tables, it was because the people were sinning in a holy place
I am sure He doesn't expect us to allow people to defile His holy places
P
It is possible to be angry and not sin, I've done it. It is like any other temptation just with stronger emotions. If you had a wife and another man was clearly flirting with her right in front of you, you SHOULD get angry. And if he went to kiss her, you SHOULD push him away from her. It's ok to act in your anger as long as you can control yourself. If you pushed him away cause he was trying to kiss her, and he went and sat down, and you went to beat him up- that would be sin. There's a difference between protecting your wife and being revengeful.
Jesus had every right to overturn those tables. They were turning His church into a market place. I know that it SEEMS like a temper tantrum, but look. Jesus braided cords into whips. Do you know how long it takes to do that? He didn't lash out uncontrollably, He thought about what He was going to do before He did it, and saw that it was right. The bible says if someone is worshiping an idol to smash it so that they will see their God is not real. If you got made because someone cut you off in traffic, then came in and smashed dishes- the dishing you are smashing are not part of the subject, so the only point you are making is that you can't control your anger.
Jesus had every right to overturn those tables. They were turning His church into a market place. I know that it SEEMS like a temper tantrum, but look. Jesus braided cords into whips. Do you know how long it takes to do that? He didn't lash out uncontrollably, He thought about what He was going to do before He did it, and saw that it was right. The bible says if someone is worshiping an idol to smash it so that they will see their God is not real. If you got made because someone cut you off in traffic, then came in and smashed dishes- the dishing you are smashing are not part of the subject, so the only point you are making is that you can't control your anger.
We can know for sure that our anger or indignation is righteous when it is directed toward what angers God Himself. Righteous anger and indignation are justly expressed when we are confronted with sin. Good examples would be anger toward child abuse, pornography, racism, homosexual activity, abortion, and the like.
The apostle Paul gives clear warning to those who anger God: “Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God” (Galatians 5:19–21). Jesus expressed righteous anger over the sins of the people (Mark 3:1–5; Matthew 21:12–13; Luke 19:41–44). But His anger was directed at sinful behaviors and unmistakable injustice.
However, we are also taught to be careful in our anger, that we do not sin. “Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil” (Ephesians 4:26–27). We should check our attitude as well as our motive before becoming angry with others. Paul gives us some sound advice on the appropriate approach: “Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord. On the contrary: ‘If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.’ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:19–21).
James also gives us good instruction when it comes to righteous indignation: “Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God” (James 1:19–20). The apostle Peter echoes this advice especially for those times when we face those antagonistic toward God and the things of God: “But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than for doing evil” (1 Peter 3:14–17).
Believers can also channel their anger into constructive action by becoming involved with Christian organizations that combat the influence of evil in society. The key is that, if our outrage results in bringing others into a loving and restorative relationship with God, it’s righteous indignation. How can I know for sure that my anger is righteous indignation?
The apostle Paul gives clear warning to those who anger God: “Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God” (Galatians 5:19–21). Jesus expressed righteous anger over the sins of the people (Mark 3:1–5; Matthew 21:12–13; Luke 19:41–44). But His anger was directed at sinful behaviors and unmistakable injustice.
However, we are also taught to be careful in our anger, that we do not sin. “Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil” (Ephesians 4:26–27). We should check our attitude as well as our motive before becoming angry with others. Paul gives us some sound advice on the appropriate approach: “Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord. On the contrary: ‘If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.’ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:19–21).
James also gives us good instruction when it comes to righteous indignation: “Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God” (James 1:19–20). The apostle Peter echoes this advice especially for those times when we face those antagonistic toward God and the things of God: “But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than for doing evil” (1 Peter 3:14–17).
Believers can also channel their anger into constructive action by becoming involved with Christian organizations that combat the influence of evil in society. The key is that, if our outrage results in bringing others into a loving and restorative relationship with God, it’s righteous indignation. How can I know for sure that my anger is righteous indignation?
I completely understand what you say and I'm glad you brought up a marital situation. It would never be okay flip the table over on a wife or girlfriend, though, If she did something wrong. I could be wrong, but if your husband ever did such thing would you think he acted appropriately or out of line? And of that sort of action is out of line, how should marital couples handle a situation that got them angry.
P
If a man went to kiss me right in front of my husband, and he did nothing, I would think he don't care, that he doesn't value our marriage, and that he is failing to protect me. It is ok, in that situation, to push him away. And pushing him away from where he don't belong is the same as Christ pushing away the tables. The church is His bride, and another man named greed was trying to be with His wife in a way that only He should be.
In another example, it is wrong to punch a guy. But if that guy was trying to kidnap your son, you should punch him! Do whatever you have to physically (and no more than you have to) to get your son away from him. It is better for the kidnapper to have a black eye, or even for your son to be bruised, then to find him chopped up in a river somewhere later- like what happened to the host of Americas Most Wanted.
God gives us anger and adrenalin for when we need it. It causes us to have the strength we need to get out of dangerous situations. But it is a tool, and you don't use tools improperly. You have to be in control. If the anger is not needed, tell yourself that and let the anger go. How? Change your thought and your facial expression. It's been proven that we make the facial expression before we feel the feeling. Always think a step ahead, and if you don't agree that anger is needed, pray it away.
In another example, it is wrong to punch a guy. But if that guy was trying to kidnap your son, you should punch him! Do whatever you have to physically (and no more than you have to) to get your son away from him. It is better for the kidnapper to have a black eye, or even for your son to be bruised, then to find him chopped up in a river somewhere later- like what happened to the host of Americas Most Wanted.
God gives us anger and adrenalin for when we need it. It causes us to have the strength we need to get out of dangerous situations. But it is a tool, and you don't use tools improperly. You have to be in control. If the anger is not needed, tell yourself that and let the anger go. How? Change your thought and your facial expression. It's been proven that we make the facial expression before we feel the feeling. Always think a step ahead, and if you don't agree that anger is needed, pray it away.
I'm referring to if you did something wrong. Not another guy. If you did something that caused your husband to get angry, what would the appropriate way to deal with your action? Obvioulsy there's no physical altercation or a throwing/punching of an object. So how should he direct his anger towards you If you did something wrong to cause it without sinning?
P
Oh, in that situation you isolate yourself until you calm down. You go somewhere safe and pray, "God, I am so angry with anger that is not needed in this situation. Please take this anger from me." Then you remember why you love God so much, remember the best feeling you ever got about the thought of God, and how kind He has been to you in your life. Pray to Him until your anger subsides.
If your wife follows you saying not to leave let's discuss this, or whatever, ignore her completely and keep going. Let her know ahead of time that you love her so much that you do not want to ever react in anger towards her, and that your plan is to do this if you ever get angry.
If your wife follows you saying not to leave let's discuss this, or whatever, ignore her completely and keep going. Let her know ahead of time that you love her so much that you do not want to ever react in anger towards her, and that your plan is to do this if you ever get angry.
Matthew 5:22, "But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire."
Most modern versions leave this out which would make Jesus in danger of judgment. My point is, anger is not a sin if there's a just cause.
Most modern versions leave this out which would make Jesus in danger of judgment. My point is, anger is not a sin if there's a just cause.
A lot of the posts are saying are saying to avoid the situation when the angry.. It's not really answeing my op. The Bible says it's okay to be angry but to not sin. I've been wanting to know how is it okay when it such a serious emotion, and how can it be okay to be angry yet most of the responses are saying to avoid the situation when angry? Every situation is different and God doesn't always answer right then and there.
D
There's a verse that says not to go to bed angry? I thought that was Irish marriage advice/humor. (Hey, telling an Irishman not to get angry is humor. lol)
Anger, like any other emotion is just that -- an emotion.
Jesus summed up what God wants without bringing emotions into it at all -- Love God fully and your neighbors fully. (Love isn't an emotion. It's choice/action/motivation.)
So, do those things all the time, and that's how you deal with sin.
If that doesn't make sense to you, let me give examples.
-- I get angry because someone cuts in front of me. Is that anger loving God or loving others? Neither? Right. It's loving me. Therefore it's sin.
-- I see a nurse treating a patient disrespectfully -- laughing at him because he can't push himself in his wheelchair in a straight line, so keeps crashing into a wall. I get angry. Is that anger loving God or loving others?
Trick question. It depends on what I do about that anger. If I just go off and poo-poo her online showing what an imbecile she is, then it's neither. It's loving self again, thus is sin. BUT if I'm capable of helping the patient and I do, that's loving my neighbor, so not sin.
-- I have a country-song day. You know the type of day? When your spouse cheats on you, your dog runs away, and your old truck literally falls to pieces? I get angry. A day like that, I'm supposed to get angry. BUT if I get arrogant with God, beat up the spouse, sit on the front porch to cry about the dog and the truck, then that's sin, because that's all me centered. If I search for the dog, figure out how to get the pieces of the truck off the road, (and that's where I'd use my anger constructively -- fling those pieces as far as I could so I don't take it out on others lol) and ask God's help with how to deal with the spouse, then anger isn't sin.
Emotions aren't sin. I can be sacred for months at a time, but that neither means I'm sinning nor does it mean I'm not sinning. What I do with those fears is the difference between a good scared and a bad scared, aka sin and not sin. If that is good with fear, why isn't it the same with anger?
At least I can sleep some without anyone thinking I shouldn't sleep just because I'm not scared. And to this Irish-American woman with a temper, THAT is a good thing.
We really get caught up on good vs. bad emotions. I don't see any emotion as good or bad. It's what we do with them that's good or bad.
Love God. Love others. The two good things!
Anger, like any other emotion is just that -- an emotion.
Jesus summed up what God wants without bringing emotions into it at all -- Love God fully and your neighbors fully. (Love isn't an emotion. It's choice/action/motivation.)
So, do those things all the time, and that's how you deal with sin.
If that doesn't make sense to you, let me give examples.
-- I get angry because someone cuts in front of me. Is that anger loving God or loving others? Neither? Right. It's loving me. Therefore it's sin.
-- I see a nurse treating a patient disrespectfully -- laughing at him because he can't push himself in his wheelchair in a straight line, so keeps crashing into a wall. I get angry. Is that anger loving God or loving others?
Trick question. It depends on what I do about that anger. If I just go off and poo-poo her online showing what an imbecile she is, then it's neither. It's loving self again, thus is sin. BUT if I'm capable of helping the patient and I do, that's loving my neighbor, so not sin.
-- I have a country-song day. You know the type of day? When your spouse cheats on you, your dog runs away, and your old truck literally falls to pieces? I get angry. A day like that, I'm supposed to get angry. BUT if I get arrogant with God, beat up the spouse, sit on the front porch to cry about the dog and the truck, then that's sin, because that's all me centered. If I search for the dog, figure out how to get the pieces of the truck off the road, (and that's where I'd use my anger constructively -- fling those pieces as far as I could so I don't take it out on others lol) and ask God's help with how to deal with the spouse, then anger isn't sin.
Emotions aren't sin. I can be sacred for months at a time, but that neither means I'm sinning nor does it mean I'm not sinning. What I do with those fears is the difference between a good scared and a bad scared, aka sin and not sin. If that is good with fear, why isn't it the same with anger?
At least I can sleep some without anyone thinking I shouldn't sleep just because I'm not scared. And to this Irish-American woman with a temper, THAT is a good thing.
We really get caught up on good vs. bad emotions. I don't see any emotion as good or bad. It's what we do with them that's good or bad.
Love God. Love others. The two good things!
I have thought about "anger" for a long time.
When I was younger, it seemed like there was a lot to be angry about, but now, I see thing differently.
Was Jesus angry when they beat Him and crucified Him?
His love for the Father and for us, is greater than anger.
I think that "anger" is made up of several parts of "thought" and "heart".
Disrespect, frustration, ego, pain, heartbreak, etc., are all different "facets" contributing to the feeling of anger.
For me the answer was love and "longsuffering". (I love the word, longsuffering, to bad it's not used much anymore).
Loving people, even though they hurt me, "Father forgive them;for they know not what they do." Lk 23:34
Being eternally minded, knowing that because I answered them with love instead of angry words or actions, that someday they might accept Jesus as their Savior. People learn by example, how to love, by example, Jesus' example.
Jesus cleansed the temple because they had turned it into a barn for animals and manure. A money making business not a house of worship. He loved them, would they see the error of their ways?
I think being older helps. You see things with the eyes of experience. You learn by trial and error. You try to not make the same mistake twice. I rarely get angry now.
For me, I want the Holy Spirit of love to rule my life. There just isn't a place in my life, in my soul, for anger anymore.
When I was younger, it seemed like there was a lot to be angry about, but now, I see thing differently.
Was Jesus angry when they beat Him and crucified Him?
His love for the Father and for us, is greater than anger.
I think that "anger" is made up of several parts of "thought" and "heart".
Disrespect, frustration, ego, pain, heartbreak, etc., are all different "facets" contributing to the feeling of anger.
For me the answer was love and "longsuffering". (I love the word, longsuffering, to bad it's not used much anymore).
Loving people, even though they hurt me, "Father forgive them;for they know not what they do." Lk 23:34
Being eternally minded, knowing that because I answered them with love instead of angry words or actions, that someday they might accept Jesus as their Savior. People learn by example, how to love, by example, Jesus' example.
Jesus cleansed the temple because they had turned it into a barn for animals and manure. A money making business not a house of worship. He loved them, would they see the error of their ways?
I think being older helps. You see things with the eyes of experience. You learn by trial and error. You try to not make the same mistake twice. I rarely get angry now.
For me, I want the Holy Spirit of love to rule my life. There just isn't a place in my life, in my soul, for anger anymore.
D
Honestly? I was picturing the whole "don't go to bed angry" Irish marriage advice when you said don't post verses about angry and beds. Look at what Marcelo said compared to your first post, and he really didn't ignore you. (Sunset and beds are two different things. Resolving before the sunsets is even harder to do, simply because bedtime gives us a couple more hours to calm down.)
So, was your response loving God fully and/or loving others fully? I do now think you're trying to get some strength to fight against some anger in real life right now, and I get that too. But assuming the worst in someone doesn't help to fight anger anyway. It also tends to lead to country-song days.
(Humor. I am trying to keep the humor in this so the emotion doesn't take it too far.)
And, again, I say that still believing anger isn't sin.
So, was your response loving God fully and/or loving others fully? I do now think you're trying to get some strength to fight against some anger in real life right now, and I get that too. But assuming the worst in someone doesn't help to fight anger anyway. It also tends to lead to country-song days.
(Humor. I am trying to keep the humor in this so the emotion doesn't take it too far.)
And, again, I say that still believing anger isn't sin.