Don’t Sin by Nurturing Your Anger: What the Bible Teaches About Handling Anger

Don’t Sin by Nurturing Your Anger: What Does the Bible Say About Getting Angry?

Anger — it’s one of the six basic emotions every human experiences, along with happiness, sadness, fear, disgust, and surprise.

It’s a strong feeling of annoyance, being provoked, and filled with displeasure or hostility.

But here’s the question: What does the Bible say about anger?

Does it forbid it entirely? Or is there a way to handle anger righteously?

📖 What the Bible Says About Anger

Ephesians 4:26–31 gives us a direct answer:

“If you’re angry don’t sin by nursing your grudge. For when you are angry, you give a mighty foothold to the devil. Don’t cause the Holy Spirit sorrow by the way you live. Stop being mean, bad‑tempered and angry. Let quarreling, harsh words and dislike of others have no place in your lives. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God has forgiven you because you belong to Christ.”

This means:

✅ Anger itself isn’t always sinful.
❌ But holding on to anger or letting it grow into grudges, bitterness, or hatred is sin.

🔥 The Two Types of Anger

1️⃣ Righteous Anger – This is godly anger.

• It’s anger at sin, injustice, or wrongdoing.

• It leads to repentance and refinement.

• When you’re angry at your own sin, it drives you to seek God’s help to change.

2️⃣ Unrighteous Anger – This is selfish, destructive anger.

• It’s anger towards people rather than the sin itself.

• It fuels bitterness, resentment, and vengeance.

• It’s like a smoldering volcano, ready to erupt and devastate relationships.

If we’re honest, most of our anger falls into the second category — stemming from selfishness, hurt pride, or impatience.

❤️ The Opposite of Anger: Love

The Bible reminds us that love is patient and not easily provoked.

James 1:19–20 says:

“But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to get angry; for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God.”

God is not telling us to ignore problems — He’s telling us to attack the problem, not the person.

🚨 Uncontrolled Anger Is Dangerous

Unrighteous anger gives the devil an open door to wreak havoc in your life.

Think about it:

• Do you explode like a bomb when frustrated?

• Do you lash out with foul words or even physical fights?

The Bible warns us:

Ephesians 4:29 – “Don’t use bad language. Say only what is good and helpful.”

Uncontrolled anger leads to devastation — in your words, your relationships, and your witness for Christ.

🙌 How to Handle Anger God’s Way

✔ Pause before reacting — pray before you speak.
✔ Remember your own flaws — approach others with humility.
✔ Seek God’s presence — when anger rises, distract your heart toward Him.
✔ Choose words carefully — speak what builds up, not tears down.

🌟 Final Reflection

Psalms 2:5 says “God, in His anger, speaks.”

If God speaks in anger with purpose, how much more should we handle ours carefully?

The next time you get angry, turn to God first.

➡️ Let Him calm your heart.
➡️ Let Him turn your unrighteous anger into righteous passion.
➡️ Let Him teach you to respond in love.

Control your anger before it controls you.

Share it with your friends and family.