In many ministry settings, people ask me, “Is anger a sin?” My response is simple and direct, “No, anger is not a sin, but how we choose to respond to the emotions of anger we feel may indeed become sinful.” I like to define anger as an emotion that combines tension, hostility, and frustration. This combination results from our heart's feelings as it processes injustice around us. Anger is a part of the many emotions God has given us and signals that an emotional need we have, or the expectation of that need, has not been met. Our souls have many facets, including our minds, will, and emotions. In the same way, anger has several facets that must be understood and processed in a godly and life-giving manner.
The facets of anger are:
Justifiable anger—This form of anger comes from our belief that some form of injustice has occurred.
Annoyance anger—this form of anger is driven by the deep desire to “get even” or cause pain to the person(s) or circumstances that offend us.
Aggressive anger—This first type of unhealthy anger causes lapses in our common sense.
Temper-based anger—This is the second unhealthy type of enemy’s influence in our lives.
When we agree with the negative influence of anger in our lives, we are partnering with lies of the enemy that cause us to believe, “We have a right to accept the offense or hurt we feel and that we can remain angry as long as the offense goes forgiven or unsettled in our hearts.” As we do this, we choose to express our anger in whatever manner comes naturally to us, but it is often ungodly and lacking in representing the fruit of the Spirit in our lives. To partner with the negative influences of anger (rage) is to agree with an open door from the enemy according to Ephesians 4:26-27, “And “don’t sin by letting anger control you. Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a foothold to the devil.” Furthermore, hiding our anger (rage) places a barrier between us and our heavenly Father, as it robs our hearts of peace and clarity from our God-ordained purpose.
Questions to Ask:
What circumstances make you angry?
What is your first memory of becoming angry?
When you become angry, how do you express your anger?
In what ways do you calm your anger or resolve the feelings of raging emotions/annoyance?
Do those around you see emotions of anger in you?
How would they describe your personality, actions, and character when angry?
Has your anger (rage) ever escalated? If so, how?
Are there any lies you believe about God’s Word, your identity in Christ, or God’s promises to you that may be influenced by feelings of anger or rage?
Connected Influences: Irritability, frustration, hatred, hostility, murder, punishment, rage, resentment, retaliation, violence.
Scriptural Truth:
“Wine produces mockers; alcohol leads to brawls. Those led astray by drink cannot be wise.” (Proverbs 20:1)
“Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave of sin. 35 A slave is not a permanent member of the family, but a son is part of the family forever. 36 So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free.” (John 8:34-36)
“Sin is no longer your master, for you no longer live under the requirements of the law. Instead, you live under the freedom of God’s grace. 15 Well then, since God’s grace has set us free from the law, does that mean we can go on sinning? Of course not! 16 Don’t you realize that you become the slave of whatever you choose to obey? You can be a slave to sin, which leads to death, or you can choose to obey God, which leads to righteous living.” (Romans 6:14-16)
“You say, “I am allowed to do anything”—but not everything is good for you. And even though “I am allowed to do anything,” I must not become a slave to anything.” (1 Corinthians 6:12)
“So Christ has truly set us free. Now make sure that you stay free and don’t get tied up again in slavery to the law.”(Galatians 5:1)
How to Pray for Pray for Breakthrough from Anger (Rage):
You may pray aloud, using each step below:
REALIZE: "Lord, I confess influences and sins of (negative influence). Would You show me the first time I experienced this?"
RELEASE: "Lord, please show me who I need to forgive for influencing this in my life. I choose to forgive (name of person) for (what they did or failed to do). It made me feel (share any negative emotions with the Lord). I release them from all debt owed me and I repent for judging them. I choose to bless them."
"Lord, do I need to forgive myself for how I responded to this negative influence?”
"Lord, am I holding a judgment or unmet expectations of You as I experience this negative influence?"
REPENT & RENOUNCE: "I repent partnering with (negative influence). In the name of Jesus Christ, I renounce my agreement with (negative influence). I choose to hand this to You.”
Lord, I also renounce my agreement with (any connected negative influences).
RECEIVE: "Lord, what do You want to give me in exchange for the negative influence I have given You?"
What truth do You want me to walk in, based on Your Word, Your promises to me, and my identity in Christ?" (Write down and give thanks for the truths that you received from the Lord!)
You can break free from every negative influence present in your life! If you want to go deeper into the spiritual and emotional wholeness that God has for you, check out my book, Encountering Abba’s Heart, or use the purchase link below.
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