Anger is really a helpful and necessary emotion. It serves to protect and warn us when we are in danger. When it is acknowledged and allowed to do it’s job, anger dissipates quickly without much or any harm done to anyone. When it is ignored or denied, or alternatively when it is harbored and nurtured – permitted to fester deep inside, it can grow in intensity until it finally explodes and can do great harm.

In the case with our family, we were taught that anger was sinful with only one possible exception which was if it is expressed in defense of the church. The reason given for the exception was the example of Jesus clearing the temple shortly before His crucification. We grew up with this understanding. When we became angry for any other injustice done to us or to others, it was considered to be sinful.

That isn’t an accurate account of what the Bible teaches at all. There are numerous passages of Scripture that support God’s anger as well as mankind being angry about injustices done; but my father’s perspective and understanding were skewed by his own experiences. I’m fairly certain he would not still adhere to those beliefs about anger; but that was what he taught us and what he preached from the pulpit for all the years of my growing up.