Anger

How often do we get angry over any issue? I was reading Ephesians 4:26 and it seems to me that we are called to be angry but not for long, then in verse 31 we are called to get rid of anger. Seems contradictory isn't it?
We see in the bible that many godly character produces anger. In the case of Paul when he sees Peter not treating the Gentiles right or when Jesus turn on the market in the temple and how He condemn the Pharisees. We see so many occasion in the Old testament when God is angry especially when people took advantage of the widows and orphanages. Or when the Israelite complains about small matter. Also when God struck Uzzah dead just because he tried to stop the ark from falling. Or David in his Psalm when he expressed his anger towards those who mocked him over his righteousness. Thus after reading all these stories and when we stumble upon Ephesians 4:26 we conclude that it is okay to be angry. So we got angry and we tell ourselves that it is normal and okay to be angry. It is just part of our controlled emotion isn't it?

Before we jump into that tempting conclusion, let us consider a few characteristic of the godly anger from the text above.

1. They were angry because God's law were violated - it is legal anger.
2. The anger is consistent with the holy and righteous character of God.
3. The anger is always in control and slowly provoked.
4. The anger does not lead to sin but grief and prayer.

Thus if any of our anger that does not meet these characteristic, then we should quickly read Ephesians 4:31 - that would apply to self centered angers which we should get rid off. Problem with our self centered anger is it always produce gossips, hatred, bitterness, strive or sometimes physical violence.
Let us consider for a moment how anger has produces so many scars in our relationship with people.

“VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY,” says the Lord. “BUT IF YOUR ENEMY IS HUNGRY, FEED HIM, AND IF HE IS THIRSTY, GIVE HIM A DRINK; FOR IN SO DOING YOU WILL HEAP BURNING COALS UPON HIS HEAD.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good (Romans 12:17-21).

Time to stop the anger and scars. It is not our place to be angry if it is not a godly anger.