Being Like Him - a 40 Day Lenten DevotionalNäide

Anger

Anger is seen as a negative attribute that brings the worst out of us. People are often displeased with people who are easily angered. But imagine a world without “anger”. What would be the consequence? There would be no check on crime or lawlessness, children would not learn discipline if no parent expressed anger. Would the world be any better without anger? Anger is a God-given emotion to be directed in purposeful ways which calls for Christ-like temperament.

Jesus visibly expressed anger on certain occasions while He was on this earth. He was angered when His disciples hindered parents from bringing their children to Jesus. He was angered when people made the temple into a marketplace. We see Him expressing His anger when some one’s rights were violated. He was angry about the evil consequences of sin that afflicts humans. His anger was within limits even when He was repulsed to see His Father’s house turned into a marketplace. We know He even made a whip. John 2:13-16 records Jesus made a whip out of cords to drive out sheep and cattle from the temple-court. He scattered the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables. He reprimanded those who sold doves. It is essential to observe that Jesus did not whip the humans, instead used it to drive the animals out. He did not seize their money, instead overturned the tables (scattered money could always be collected from the floor.) He did not open the cages and let the doves’ free , causing loss to the bird vendors. As much as Jesus deeply felt anger, He also exhibited great control of anger.

Interestingly, we see Jesus exhibited anger only when it concerned others and His Father’s business. This I call the righteous anger of God! He never seemed to experience anger selfishly when he was personally insulted, mocked and taunted. What usually angers us the most? Is it when others’ rights are violated or when our own rights are violated? Many of us react in anger when we are personally hurt or our private space is invaded.

I remember a married couple who had a fight in the night and the woman was sheltered in our house that night. The next day, when I visited their house, it felt like I had entered a war zone. Everything was torn down and damaged. Kitchen utensils were used as missiles against each other. I was glad they did not murder each other seeing all the knives and sharp instruments lying everywhere. Both were living decent lives with good education and jobs yet had no control over their anger.

To become like Him in His anger, calls us to be angry for the right things. To get angry for others who are in trouble or violated. Righteous anger responds in a way that represents the voiceless and the pained. To express our anger in ways that are non-destructive but firm, needs wisdom and discernment. This is only possible when God’s Spirit indwells in us. Do we have a Spirit-controlled temperament?

Prayer

Lord Jesus, teach us not to sin in our anger. Help us respond in holy grief and anger when other people’s rights are violated and not only when it is about our own rights. In Jesus name, Amen.