Biblical Answer

Is it wrong to feel angry at God for my suffering?

Understanding Anger Towards God

It is not uncommon for people to feel angry towards God during times of suffering. However, it is essential to examine the motivations behind this anger. Are we distressed over a sin that offends God and harms people, or are we angry over the way we are affected? If the latter, it may be helpful to eschew anger altogether, as it can lead to a marginalization of God and a push away from him. Acknowledging anger towards God can be a challenging task, but it is crucial to recognize that it often stems from a sense of injustice or unfairness.

The Nature of God's Anger

God's anger is not like human anger; it is infused with holy purpose and is under the perfect control of limitless love. His anger is a response to real wrongs, and it is not uncontrolled fury or personal spitefulness. However, this does not mean that God's anger is not a serious matter. Anger can bring us to a crossroads, where we must choose to turn to the true God, who shows compassion to those who are suffering. If we can identify our anger as a response to a real wrong, then we can begin to understand God's purpose in our suffering.

The Righteousness of Anger

Anger can be a right and necessary reaction to objective moral evil. God is only angry where anger is called for, and righteous indignation is a valid emotion. However, the vast majority of anger is destructive and hurtful, and self-seeking anger will ultimately bring misery on the angry person. It is essential to examine our motivations and to consider whether our anger is directed towards the right object, for the right cause, and leading to right behavior. By doing so, we can begin to understand God's purpose in our suffering and respond to it in a way that reflects our love for him.