The concept of God getting angry when we sin is one that can be difficult to fully understand. Many people view God as a judge who sets rules and gets angry when rules are broken.
While it is true that the Bible tells us not to commit certain sins, it is important to remember that God says it from a father’s perspective, a Father that doesn’t want us to suffer the consequences of our own wickedness.
As his children, we should want to please God with our actions. Although we may sometimes disappoint God, He is always willing to forgive us when we repent.
“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land”
2 Chronicles 7:14
Humanity’s disobedience makes God angry
In the Bible, we see how God’s anger can be invoked by humanity’s disobedience and sinful behavior.
In fact, Scripture tells us God gets angry every day.
Psalms 7:11 says, “God is a righteous judge, a God who displays his wrath every day.”
“The Lord’s anger burned against Israel and he made them wander in the wilderness forty years, until the whole generation of those who had done evil in his sight was gone.”
Numbers 32:13
When we read that, we may think of God as someone who is “all-mighty” and wants things done his way, but let’s remember God’s anger involves these two important aspects:
- Justice because he despises sin and unrighteousness
- Compassion because he shows forgiveness to those who repent.
God’s anger is tempered by His mercy and compassion. Despite His righteous anger, He always makes a way for repentance and forgiveness for those who seek it. The Bible’s portrayal of God’s anger sends a clear message that sin does not go unpunished, but also emphasizes the possibility of redemption through repentance and faith.
It’s a good thing to know God’s anger is for those who commit injustices. This takes the burden off of our shoulders, so we won’t have to carry hate, bitterness, blame or feel the need for revenge because God’s anger will punish unrighteousness.
Overall, God continues to be holy because His anger is not like human anger. It is a divine emotion that expresses God’s displeasure with sin and evil. While humans can consume themselves with anger, without giving someone a chance to repent, God’s mind is not fogged by anger.
In fact, anger can lead us to commit sins if we let it rule over us.
Genesis 4:7 says, “If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it.”
Furthermore, God’s anger never features any of the irrationality and aggression that human anger often displays.
Let’s dig in deeper and find out what the Bible says about being angry.
Is being angry a sin?
The Bible says being angry is not a sin. It’s a regular emotion, and it’s normal to feel it. Whatever negative action we choose to do after may be a sin.
“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.”
Ephesians 4:26-27
In other words, our anger is not divine. If anger takes control of us, the consequences won’t be pretty.
James 1:20 says, “because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.”
Debating the actuality of God’s anger when we sin
On the contrary, God’s anger will produce righteousness.
God will not begin to clench his jaw and fists, frown, and raise his voice at us. Keep in mind, God does not react as we do.
When we sin, the Bible shows us we remain under condemnation because God’s wrath continues to be on us. Without accepting Jesus’ sacrifice for our sins, we are destined for destruction, which is eternal condemnation.
“Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on them.”
John 3:36
The consistency of God’s nature and emotions
What’s beautiful about knowing that God’s anger is towards unrighteousness is that God’s nature and emotions are always consistent.
Throughout the Bible, we see God’s consistency in his justice, mercy, and love. He never wavers in his character.
We can trust that God’s anger is for those who live for their own sin. With that being said, any injustice will not go unpunished because the wrath of God is on those who do not repent.
We also see in the Bible, how God, even in the face of human disobedience and rebellion, shows compassion and forgiveness towards His people. This merciful and loving nature of God is seen through countless instances in the Bible, from the forgiveness shown to Moses after he broke the tablets of the Ten Commandments, to the parable of the prodigal son in the New Testament where the father forgives his son with open arms.
In fact, the ultimate act of God’s mercy was demonstrated when Jesus Christ, the Son of God, was willing to lay down His life to save humanity. Truly, the biblical portrayal of God’s mercy and forgiveness is an awe-inspiring testament to His redeeming love toward us.
Avoiding God’s wrath and choosing righteousness
If our relationship with God has been inconsistent, and we’ve gotten involved in situations we shouldn’t, God’s compassion is available. All we have to do is ask God to forgive us and stop sinning. We must seek his forgiveness before it’s too late.
Romans 2:5 says: “But because of your stubbornness and your unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of God’s wrath, when his righteous judgment will be revealed.”
Prayer to accept Jesus Christ into your life
“Lord Jesus, I confess that I’m a sinner and need your forgiveness. I invite you into my life; I accept that you are Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior. You died for my sins and resurrected on the third day. Because of that, today I am made new. I believe that you are alive and your Spirit lives in me. I ask you to write my name in the Book of life and help me live a holy and abundant life. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.”
Prayer to break cycles of sin
Dear God,
Thank you for giving me a new day of life, a new day I can repent of my sins. Forgive me for the wrongdoings I committed. I ask you to break the cycle of sin in my life. Whatever is binding me, set me free in the name of Jesus. Break those chains that keep me going back to the same sin and people. I ask you to make me new again and remove any guilt and self-condemnation that may want to hold me back from experiencing forgiveness. I ask you to write my name in the Book of life. Help me to build a relationship with you based on love and truth. In the name of Jesus, Amen.