Biblical Answer

Understanding the Nature of Anger

In addressing the question of whether anger is one of the seven deadly sins, we need to understand the nature of anger. While anger can be a sinful and destructive emotion, it is not inherently evil. In fact, the Bible teaches that anger at sin or injustice can be a good and holy response. This is evident in the example of Jeremiah, who was filled with the fury of the Lord against sin and wickedness (Jer 6:11). Similarly, Paul was angry over the exploitation of the weak by the strong (Eph 4:2-6). However, not all anger is created equal. There are two primary kinds of sinful anger: explosive anger and simmering anger. Explosive anger is the kind of anger that leads us to do something about injustice, while simmering anger is when we want to hurt others, often due to impatience or selfishness.

The Biblical View of Anger

The Bible views anger as a complex emotion that can be both good and bad. On one hand, anger can be a necessary reaction to evil and injustice, as seen in the examples of Jeremiah and Paul. On the other hand, sinful anger can be destructive and harmful, both to ourselves and to others. The Bible teaches that we should not let our anger simmer, as this can lead to physical and emotional harm. Instead, we should seek to be angry yet not sin (Eph 4:26). This means that we should not let our anger control us, but rather, we should seek to respond to injustice in a way that is morally right and glorious.

The Relationship Between Anger and Sin

While anger is not inherently sinful, it can become a sinful emotion when it is not managed properly. When we let our anger simmer, it can lead to division and conquest by the devil. In contrast, when we seek to be angry yet not sin, we are able to respond to injustice in a way that is holy and righteous. This requires us to repent of our anger and bring it daily to Jesus for redemption. As we seek to live a life that reflects Christian values and teachings, we must recognize the importance of managing our anger in a way that is pleasing to God. By doing so, we can respond to injustice in a way that is morally right and glorious, and we can live a life that is free from the destructive power of sinful anger.