When Anger is Beneficial

Anger is a strong passionate emotion that when allowed to exist unbridled can be harmful; therefore, anger must be controlled. Such a strong and powerful emotion, however, is not something that can be controlled through willpower alone. For this reason, anger must be submitted, or given to God. Only when God is given authority over our anger will we find purpose for this extremely misunderstood emotion.

At the heart of anger is the desire for vengeance which is rooted in selfishness and greed. As such, angry people are never satisfied and their anger never appeased until someone pays for their offense. The Bible tells us that vengeance belongs to God which means that He alone gets to decide the proper way to punish an offender. Because vengeance belongs to God, angry Christians must yield their desire for vengeance and in faith believe that God knows the best way to render justice. .

When we yield our anger and desired outcome to God, we allow the will of God to have preeminence over all things. We literally trade our will for His. Anytime we submit our will to God, we are foremost showing God love. Second, we are showing love for the offender. No longer do we want to punish the offender, but instead desire the will of God to take place in their lives.

When we trade our will for the will of God, incredible things take place. At the top of this list is the blooming of the fruits of the Spirit of God. The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. When angry Christ-followers submit their anger to God, they are first showing love. Out of this love, all the other fruits are manifested slowly, over time.

Submitting our anger is an exercise of self-control, as well as an act of kindness. It is also an act of goodness and gentleness. Patience is aslo demonstrated as we show our faithfulness to God whom we recognize as holy and righteous and just. As such, when we submit our anger to God, we are making the statement that we desire God’s glory over our desire for self-gratification.

As these fruits are demonstrated, the angry Christ-follower is slowly transformed. Not only are minds changed, but hearts are changed, personal character is improved, and confidence is built as we walk in integrity. Above all, we draw closer to God because we are seeking what He wants for our lives, which He will always show us. In this context, when we ask, we receive the things of the Kingdom of God. When we seek these things, we will find them. And when we knock on the door of opportunity to glorify God with our lives, it will always swing wide open. These are the benefits of submitted anger.