I’m Mad

Read

James 1:19-20 "My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires."

Think

Anger comes fast, doesn’t it? A sharp comment, an unfair decision, a betrayal—and suddenly, your chest tightens, your mind races, and you feel that heat rising inside. You want to lash out, prove your point, or retreat in silent resentment. But the question isn’t, “Will I get angry?”—because you will. The real question is, “What will I do with it?”

Tim Keller wrote, “In its uncorrupted origin, anger is actually love in motion.” We get angry because something we care about feels threatened—our respect, our relationships, our sense of justice. Even Jesus got angry, flipping tables in the temple when people turned worship into a marketplace. But his anger wasn’t about personal offense—it was about protecting what mattered to God. That’s the difference between righteous and destructive anger.

Proverbs 29:11 warns, “Fools vent their anger, but the wise quietly hold it back.” Spurgeon put it this way: “He that would be angry and not sin, let him be angry at nothing but sin.” Most of our anger isn’t about defending God’s holiness—it’s about defending our pride. We say things we regret, let bitterness take root, or withdraw in cold silence. But none of that leads to peace. So what do we do? Pause. Pray. Process. Instead of reacting, step back and ask, “What am I really upset about?” Take it to God first. If action is needed, let it be guided by wisdom, not impulse. Proverbs 15:1 reminds us, “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”

Anger isn’t a sin—but how you handle it can be. Let God shape your response so that your anger leads to healing, not harm.

Apply

Pray first, respond second – Before venting to someone or lashing out, bring your frustration to God. Pray, “Lord, help me see this situation through your wisdom, not just my emotions.”

Pray

God, when anger rises in me, help me to pause and seek your wisdom before I react. Teach me to let go of pride, speak with grace, and respond in a way that honors you. Fill my heart with patience and self-control so that my anger leads to peace, not regret. In Jesus’ name. Amen.