“Because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.” James 1:20 NIV
Be angry like Jesus.
As followers of Jesus, we need to set Jesus as the example we follow for all aspects of our lives. How we speak and behave, what we consider to be important, what we care most about, and what makes us angry, all these pieces of our lives, and all the unnamed ones, should become more like Christ throughout our lives.
We don’t often think about Jesus as angry, and that’s mostly for good reason. At a glance, there aren’t many accounts in the Gospels that address Jesus being angry or dealing with it, but that is truly an oversight of Jesus’ character. We see His patience on display, and His patience gives us a clearer picture of His anger. One such example is with the Passover festival and clearing of the temple courts.
“In the temple courts He found people selling cattle, sheep and doves, and others sitting at tables exchanging money. 15 So He made a whip out of cords, and drove all from the temple courts, both sheep and cattle; He scattered the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables.” John 2:14-15 NIV
This exchange is a rather obvious example of Jesus feeling angry and taking action to resolve the situation. What I appreciate about the Gospel of John and how this exchange is recorded is that it highlights that Jesus made a whip out of cords to clear the courts. If you have ever spent any time working with leather or rope, you would know that fashioning a whip of cords would not be an impulsive or quick action. Likely taking a few hours, Jesus contemplated His anger and His response to the injustice taking place in the temple. He drove out the money changers and those taking advantage of the people for the Passover festival, and in doing so, He fulfilled prophecy and showed us a picture of God’s anger towards sin.
“To those who sold doves He said, ‘Get these out of here! Stop turning My Father’s house into a market!’ His disciples remembered that it is written: ‘Zeal for your house will consume me.’” John 2:16-17 NIV
Be patient like Jesus.
As followers of Jesus, we need to be like Jesus. So anger in an appropriate setting and response can be right, and there is also a great need for Christians to be patient like Jesus. The only thing we need to consider when we are faced with an opportunity to be rash or to be patient is the way that Jesus is patient with us.
“But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display His immense patience as an example for those who would believe in Him and receive eternal life.” 1 Timothy 1:16 NIV
There are many more examples of God’s patience in the Bible for us to learn from. But we truly just need to consider the cross and the forgiveness that Jesus offers to us. I would challenge you this week to let your patience outweigh your anger as often as possible. We know that every moment that passes in time that God does not yet bring about the final judgment is a moment in which He is patient with us.
“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9 NIV
We should align our goals and focus with God’s. That His patience for us is so great, His love for us is so great, that He will allow some bad things to happen so that more people have the chance to come to faith in Christ. Our patience should reflect God’s patience. We don’t need revenge, we don’t need to make everything right by ourselves. We trust in God’s plan and timing, and align ourselves with His desire for all people to be saved.
