When the World Turns Angry

It is easy to be angry today. It is all around us from religious zealots to political ideologues to people bothered by the morning traffic. Don’t misunderstand, anger in itself is not always a bad thing. We should be angry when we see children starving, journalists beheaded by terrorists, injustice and abuse in the world, even manipulative and unhealthy behavior of friends, family, or co-workers. Even Jesus would get angry with self-righteous and self-serving religious leaders. Remember the story of Jesus turning over the tables in the Temple in Jerusalem? Yet, Jesus did not define his ministry by anger.

James 1:19 states, Know this my dear brothers and sisters, everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to grow angry. This is because an angry person cannot produce God’s righteousness. While anger is normal and at times even appropriate, we can never forget that anger by itself will never lead us into God’s heart. Throughout ministry, I have known people passionate about issues on either the liberal or conservative side of things, but are so angry they become bitter and miserable. That is not what God intends! There must be something more … and I think the Gospel is pretty clear what that is.

In the letter known as 1 John, the writer says that those who love know God, and those who don’t love do not know God (1 John 4:7-8). It is that simple. While anger cannot produce God’s righteousness, love can. I think this is why both Paul and Peter write about confronting the evils of this world, not with anger or retribution, but overcoming evil with good and love (1 Peter 3:8-12 and Romans 12:17-21).  While the world stops at anger, we are called to move to a better place!  

As followers of Jesus, there will be times when we will become angry, but that cannot be the final word. Even when our anger is justified, it can only take us so far. To faithfully follow Jesus we must make room for that anger to give way to love (love of God, neighbor, and even enemy). However, it doesn’t mean we are to stand by silently. We are obligated to speak out against injustices and evil, but it must be with a loving heart, not anger. When we allow a love like this to live within us, then Jesus says we will be called God’s own children (Matthew 6:44-45).

Together we are the hands and feet of Jesus!

Brett