When Angry

Letting go of anger is not easy. Each of us has a deep, God-given longing for justice, and we tend to assume that forgiving someone who has wronged us is tantamount to abandoning any hope for justice. The Bible tells us to let go of anger while holding onto a hope for justice. God is Just and Righteous; He wants you to let Him handle justice His way.

I think of forgiveness as a twofold choice:

(1) It's a choice to experience the pain someone else deserves. Just as Jesus suffered and died the death I deserved, I can "deny myself, take up my cross and follow Jesus" (Luke 9:22-26).

(2) It's a choice to trust God to handle justice.

Romans 12:14-21 (NIV) "Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: 'It is mine to avenge; I will repay,' says the Lord. On the contrary:

'If your enemy is hungry, feed him;

if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.

In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.'

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."

If you're like me, you're wondering, "what's with the burning coals in that Romans 12 passage?" Here's an explanation I found helpful: https://www.gotquestions.org/burning-coals.html

Other helpful Bible passages related to anger:

Matthew 5

Matthew 18

And, finally, here is a book I found helpful when I was struggling to love people who are difficult to love:

Unoffendable, by Brant Hansen

Let me know if you have other Bible passages and/or books that have helped you take a Biblical approach to anger and forgiveness.

May you experience the blessings of fully releasing anger, malice, bitterness and unforgiveness.

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