[… rid yourselves of] … rage …
Summary: Seeing ourselves from God’s point of view is a challenge. Especially when trying to understand what it means to be under God’s wrath.
The word Paul used in this sentence is not always translated as “rage.” In fact, about two-thirds of available English translations of the Bible use the word “wrath” instead. Is there a difference?
From a human point of view, there may not be much difference. From God’s point of view, there is a difference.
When we look at Paul’s earlier words, we read, “Because of these, the wrath of God is coming” (Colossians 3:6). “Wrath,” in this case, is different than the “wrath” that comes from human rage.
Here’s how I look at it …
My wife doesn’t like bugs. She really doesn’t like spiders, but any bug will get a reaction. One of my primary jobs as her husband is keeping her world bug-free.
When she yells, “BUG!!!” I’m on the job! I grab a tissue, squish the bug, and toss the tissue and bug in the trash.
I have to confess — there is not a lot of emotion involved. To me, bugs are bugs. They are something to keep out of the house and get rid of if any of them make their way in. You might say my “judgment” is that bugs don’t belong inside the home.
Now, if all bugs would follow my rule about bugs not being in the house, the bugs (and my wife!) would be a lot happier. However, for those who dare to venture into my domain, a horrible fate awaits them. You might say they feel my “wrath.”
When it comes to the bug’s point of view, if they could think about it, they would fear the wrath of the Bug Killer. Of course, they can’t, so they don’t. Instead, they blithely wander in now and then. When they are eventually dispatched, it is not because of anger, rage, or any feeling on my part. My “wrath” is just a matter of getting rid of what doesn’t belong in the house. In the same way, I think God’s wrath is like that.
Human anger is different. Human rage is uncontrollable. Human wrath is evil because it is devoid of love for God and love for our neighbors. Follow Paul’s advice and rid yourself of rage.
Application: Keep calm and carry on.
Food for Thought: What are some tips for ridding ourselves of rage?
Ephesians 4: 25 – Ephesians 5: 2: Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
There is a decision we need to make as followers of Christ. I once read a book called “Anger is a choice.” And it is. Sometimes it is a good choice. Being angry because a child suffers in sex trafficking is a good choice. Use that righteous anger to do something positive about that which can bring justice and healing.
But most of the time anger is a bad choice and a response to feeling disrespected or not having our selfish needs met. We don’t need to choose to be angry. And if we do make the choice to be angry, we can repent of that rather than continuing in anger and becoming bitter with hard hearts.
The Ephesians passage above gives us other choices. Christ like choices. These choices will help with blood pressure, state of mind, and lead to a healthier life for us and others. Prayer is another item I would add to that list.
Thank you, Rich!
I appreciate the distinction between righteous anger and self-centered anger. That is an important distinction.
*it should read Ephesians 4: 31 – Ephesians 5: 2
(Link added – JE)
My experience in this area is that worldly counseling will usually target the symptoms and not the source. That people are happy if one doesn’t appear uncontrollably angry or in rage, but the actual healing that needs to take place becomes secondary and “part of a journey.” The level of humility and truth that must come for lasting healing is difficult to express to others. One who can express in humility to God their past, their hurt, and the desires of their heart will be guided to truth, repentance, redemption, and hope through Christ and the Holy Spirit. I think people sometimes skip a step, they want to claim that they have “let go” of the rage, but what is needed first is expressing to God that they “want to let go” of the rage, and then allow the Holy Spirt to counsel them; though prayer, presence in the Spirit, and scripture.
Psalm 139
23 Search me, O God, and know my heart!
Try me and know my thoughts!
24 And see if there be any grievous way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting!
Chris,
Thank you! You have reminded me of something I learned a long time ago: Anger is a secondary emotion. It is a reaction to an underlying pain or frustration.
Sometimes we can get to that underlying issue ourselves or with human help. However, as you point out, God knows our hearts. He is the one with the healing answer for each of us.