To Be or Not to Be Angry

Why was Jesus' Anger OK, but Mine Isn't?

I need an impartial opinion. My husband and I argue constantly over my anger problem (that's what he calls it). But I think my anger is justified. We're both Christians, and I read in the Bible how Jesus got angry in the Temple because they were selling their wares inside God's House. Why is Jesus' temper OK, but mine isn't? I see things on the news that make me want to throw something at the television. Why am I wrong to get angry? ~ Angry Annette

Dear Annette, the Bible gives us permission to be angry, but there is a caveat: "Be angry and sin not." Did Jesus sin when he threw the money changers out of His Father's house?

Look, after years of counseling, I do know there's a difference between "justified anger" and being a hothead. I grew up believing anger - all anger - was bad; but I grew up in a home where only the adults were allowed to be angry.

The bad news for hotheads is that Scripture contains many more verses warning believers against blowing their cool than verses advocating such behavior. The writer of Proverbs connects anger with foolishness:

"Fools quickly show that they are upset, but the wise ignore insults" (Proverbs 12:16, NCV).

And the apostle Paul recommends letting our heavenly Father fight our battles:

"My friends, do not try to punish others when they wrong you, but wait for God to punish them with his anger. It is written: 'I will punish those who do wrong; I will repay them,' says the Lord" (Romans 12:19, NCV).

Sometimes, however, God allows his people to fuss and remain faithful. Such is the case when King David furrows his brow and huffs:

God, I wish you would kill the wicked!

Get away from me, you murderers!

They say evil things about you.

Your enemies use your name thoughtlessly.

Lord, I hate those who hate you;

I hate those who rise up against you.

I feel only hate for them;

they are my enemies (Psalm 139:19-22, NCV).

Or when Nehemiah gets upset after learning about the wealthy Israelites' exploitation of the poor:

"Then I was very angry when I had heard ... these words" (Nehemiah 5:6, NASB).