In John 2, we see that Jesus clears the temple. A friend asked me if this was a fit of rage. I have heard some people refer to it as righteous anger. I know Jesus never sinned, so how can I reconcile the matter? -- Amaury (New York)
No, this is not sin. In Psalm 4 we read, "In your anger do not sin," or alternately "Be angry but do not sin." There is a difference biblically between righteous anger and selfish anger, or a fit of rage. Jesus' anger is calculated. God's anger follows his great patience, and the scriptures repeatedly describe the Lord as "slow to anger."
To think or teach that anger is always ungodly, or unworthy of divinity, is an error.
This article is copyrighted and is for private use and study only. © 2004. Reprints or public distribution is prohibited without the express consent of Douglas Jacoby.
