Good and Angry

In a world seemingly consumed by anger, we often find ourselves questioning its source and purpose. From road rage incidents to social media vitriol, anger appears to be an ever-present force in our daily lives. But what if we could view anger through a different lens? What if anger, rather than being an irrational outburst, actually stems from a rational place?

At its core, anger is a response to anything that threatens what we perceive as good. This definition challenges us to examine our own anger and its roots. When we feel that burning sensation rising within us, we must ask ourselves: What do we believe is being threatened? What are we trying to protect?

The Bible presents a unique perspective on anger, particularly through the often-overlooked book of Nahum. This prophetic text offers a glimpse into God's anger towards the ancient city of Nineveh, the capital of Assyria. Over a century after the events of Jonah, where Nineveh had briefly repented, the city had once again fallen into wickedness.

Nahum's poetic description paints a vivid picture of a civilization given over to evil:

"Woe to the city of blood, full of lies, full of plunder, never without victims. The crack of whips, the clatter of wheels, galloping horses and jolting chariots, charging cavalry, flashing swords and glittering spears, many casualties, piles of dead, bodies without number, people stumbling over corpses..."

This imagery serves to illustrate why God's anger is directed at Nineveh. Unlike human anger, which can be capricious and self-serving, God's wrath is measured, controlled, and rooted in His goodness. It is a response to the destruction of what is truly good – justice, mercy, and righteousness.

Yet, even in the midst of pronouncing judgment, we see glimpses of God's goodness. Nahum reminds us that "The Lord is slow to anger but great in power; the Lord will not leave the guilty unpunished." This tension between God's patience and His justice is a recurring theme throughout Scripture. It reminds us that while God is indeed angry at sin and injustice, He is also merciful and desires repentance.

The prophet goes on to declare, "The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him." This beautiful contrast highlights the dual nature of God's character – both just and merciful, wrathful towards evil yet a shelter for those who seek Him.

So how do we, as imperfect human beings, navigate the complex terrain of anger in light of God's character? The key lies in becoming "good and angry" – aligning our anger with what truly matters to God.

To cultivate righteous anger, we must first know what is good. This requires daily immersion in God's Word, reflecting on His character, and allowing the Holy Spirit to shape our understanding of goodness and justice. When we encounter situations that provoke anger, we need to pause and ask ourselves: What am I truly defending here? Is this aligned with God's definition of good, or am I clinging to a false notion of goodness?

Jesus Himself provides a powerful example of righteous anger in action. In John 2, we see Him driving money changers and animal sellers out of the temple courts. His anger was not self-serving but focused on protecting the sanctity of worship and ensuring access for all people, especially the marginalized Gentiles who were meant to pray in those outer courts.

This brings us to a crucial point: righteous anger should lead us to stand up for justice and the oppressed, but always in a way that reflects God's character. The Civil Rights movement in the United States offers a poignant illustration of this principle. The famous photograph of the Woolworths sit-in from 1963 captures both unrighteous and righteous anger. On one side, we see the mob's misplaced anger, rooted in racism and fear. On the other, we witness the quiet, determined anger of those peacefully protesting injustice – an anger channeled into non-violent resistance and a willingness to suffer for what is right.

This image serves as a powerful metaphor for Christ's work on the cross. Jesus, though sinless, stood with us – taking upon Himself the wrath that we deserved. His sacrifice enables us to approach anger differently. When faced with evil or injustice, we can express our anger in ways full of grace, patience, and kindness, entrusting ultimate justice to God.

As we navigate a world filled with anger, let us strive to be "good and angry." This means:

1. Regularly examining our hearts and the source of our anger.
2. Immersing ourselves in God's Word to understand true goodness.
3. Channeling our anger towards standing up for justice and the oppressed.
4. Expressing our anger in ways that reflect Christ's character – with patience, kindness, and a willingness to suffer for what is right.
5. Trusting in God's ultimate justice, even when we don't see immediate results.
6. Remember, our goal is not to eliminate anger entirely, but to redeem it. By aligning our anger with God's heart for justice and mercy, we can become powerful agents of change in a world desperately in need of transformation.

May we be people who are slow to anger, quick to listen, and always ready to stand for what is truly good. As we do so, we reflect the character of our God – who is both perfectly just and infinitely merciful, good and angry.