Happy Monday! It’s November 25, 2024. Here’s a question for you: “Is anger a sin?” Did Jesus ever get angry? There are many instances that might suggest His indignation, but that understanding is only partial—and it could lead us to justify a greater error. Sometimes, we know Him only in part and act hastily as a result. Today, take time to know Him fully! Read on...
Today's Reading:
Matthew 20,21,22
Scripture
“Jesus entered the temple courts and drove out all who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves. It is written, he said to them, ‘My house will be called a house of prayer,’ but you are making it a den of robbers.” (Matthew 21:12-13)
Observation
Jesus never compromised, yet His actions could sometimes be misinterpreted as “permission” for us to do the same—and even more! I noticed something that helped me understand this better:
1. His displeasure was never due to a personal affront.
1 Peter 2:23 says: “While being reviled and insulted, He did not revile or insult in return; while suffering, He made no threats [of vengeance] but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges fairly.”
2. His displeasure never permitted sin.
Ephesians 4:26 reminds us: “In your anger, do not sin: do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.”
Application
There are times when my anger or displeasure arises from something unjust or dishonoring to God. However, it is not the moment of indignation itself but the thoughts and actions that follow that determine whether the anger is right or wrong.
As Paul reminds us, “Be angry, but do not sin.”
It’s the second part we often try to overlook or excuse.
We may use Jesus’ vexation to justify our own resentment, but that’s where we misuse Scripture. We arrive at a mistaken conclusion because we miss the intention and heart with which Jesus acted.
Prayer
Father, thank You for helping me understand the spirit and intent of the Scriptures and for allowing me to see the full picture of Jesus. I pray that I may come to know Him—not just in part, but fully, even as I am fully known.
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