Is anger a sin?

Quick Answer: Is anger a sin? While we are often tempted to label anger as a sin, the Bible does not make this statement. In fact, Scripture teaches that we can be angry while making the conscious decision to not sin (Ephesians 4:26).

Diving Deeper: We may be tempted to ignore anger for fear of sinning. But the more we stuff anger down, the more it will take root in our thinking and behavior. Anger, like all emotions, is not inherently sinful. The key is in what we do with the anger.

Ephesians says we can actually feel angry and choose not to sin (Ephesians 4:26). This means we can be upset and process our emotions in a healthy way with the counsel of the Holy Spirit.

Sometimes we may even feel what is commonly referred to as a “righteous anger.” Maybe it’s an injustice we see, or a sin committed against ourselves or a loved one. Anger is a healthy response to such events. Even God gets angry. God is angered by sin because of how destructive it is to His creation (Romans 1). Still, He loves the whole world (John 3:16). We too can be angry yet choose to love and forgive those who have wronged us (Ephesians 4:32; Colossians 3:13).

In summary, anger is not a sin, but outbursts of anger against others are a deed of the flesh (Galatians 5:20). We can feel anger without allowing that feeling of anger to inspire a sinful action.

Let’s Make It a Conversation!
1. React to this statement: It’s important to feel and process anger.
2. What are some examples of righteous anger?
3. Read Ephesians 4:26. How can a person be angry without sinning?
4. What role might forgiveness of others play in all of this?