A Biblical Perspective on Anger: When Anger Rises

The Fire We All Face

We’ve all felt it. That surge of heat in our chest. That flash behind our eyes. Anger—raw, powerful, and often misunderstood. In a world that’s more irritable and reactive than ever, Reverend Dwight Fairclough delivers a timely and soul-stirring message titled “Anger: A Biblical Perspective,” based on Ephesians 4:25–5:2. His words cut to the heart of this very human emotion, reminding us that the Bible doesn’t shy away from anger—it helps us confront it, define it, and most importantly, redeem it.

In his sermon, Biblical Perspective on Anger, Rev. Fairclough boldly states that anger is a God-given emotion. That alone reframes the conversation. He doesn’t deny its danger, but neither does he call for its suppression. Anger, he explains, is neutral at the start. It can either become a weapon of destruction or a force for good. The choice is ours. Scripture gives us clear direction: “Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil” (Ephesians 4:26-27).

The Double-Edged Sword of Anger

Fairclough opens with a striking truth: “If you are alive, you have been angry.” It’s universal. But unlike emotions such as joy or sadness, anger has the unique ability to either glorify God—or grieve His Spirit.

Anger, when righteous, can lead to justice, transformation, and healing. Think of:

Jesus clearing the temple (John 2:15-16)
Jesus grieving stubborn hearts (Mark 3:5)
God’s righteous judgment throughout the Old Testament

This was righteous anger rooted in holiness, not impulsive rage.

But most of our anger? It isn’t righteous. It’s reactionary. It’s Jonah sulking over God’s mercy. It’s Cain killing out of envy. It’s Moses lashing out in frustration. It’s you and me snapping at loved ones, stewing over offenses, or harboring resentment. This is the anger that opens a door to sin.

Biblical Boundaries for a Fiery Emotion

Ephesians 4 doesn’t merely warn us about anger—it equips us:

Be angry, but do not sin – Let anger speak, but don’t let it take control.
Don’t let the sun go down on your anger – Deal with it quickly.
Give no opportunity to the devil – Unchecked anger invites spiritual attack.

Fairclough emphasizes:

Forgiveness over bitterness (Ephesians 4:32)
Compassion over wrath
Spiritual maturity over impulsiveness

He references Cain (Genesis 4:5-8), Jonah (Jonah 4), and Moses (Numbers 27), showing how unchecked anger leads to sin and consequences.

He even shares a personal moment of misjudged anger—a reminder that we often misread situations, unlike God who is “all knowing, all wise, and perfectly measured.”

Be Slow to Anger, Quick to Forgive

James 1:19-20 says,

“Let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger, for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.”

Being “slow to anger” reflects the very character of God. It’s not passivity; it’s power under control. It’s patience, reflection, and grace.

Fairclough urges us to forgive quickly, let go daily, and deal with anger purposefully:

Don’t sleep on it.
Replace bitterness with kindness.
Pray instead of plotting.

Glorifying God Through Emotional Integrity

At its core, this message is not about eliminating anger—it’s about glorifying God through our emotional integrity. Ask yourself: What is fueling my anger? Am I honoring God in this moment?

Fairclough encourages us to pray: “God, let Your praise rise in me—even when I’m angry. Let me reflect Your love, patience, and justice.”

In a world where anger is often explosive, destructive, and divisive, let us be a people who respond with grace, wisdom, and truth.

Because when anger rises, God can still be glorified in the fire.

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