Angry – with purpose!
by Pastor Peter Bean
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He turned over the tables and scattered the money of those who were exchanging it (John 2:15b).
Read John 2:13–22
Jesus was angry. We might struggle with that. Justify it in all sorts of ways. I get angry. You get angry. We probably struggle with that even more. And probably struggle to justify it!
But perhaps we misunderstand anger and its purpose, having been conditioned by society and having read in the media about the actions of angry people.
You see, anger is not a sin. It is an emotion like any other. It can be used for good or evil. Anger actually has a purpose. It gives us energy. It makes the adrenaline run. It allows us to take action in a dangerous situation. It challenges us to stand up to injustice, it helps us survive.
A devotion I was reading in a different context suggested we have an attitude of gratitude. What if we were grateful for our anger? Not the anger that leads to hurt, violence or destruction, but the anger that prompts us to do good, to seek out a better way, to care for those less fortunate than ourselves, and to take action in a determined and loving way.
Are we grateful that Jesus cleared out the temple and sought to restore it to its true purpose? When we get angry, can we learn first of all to be grateful and then discern what this means for us? How to act, how to respond, how to act with humility in expressing our anger?
There’s plenty in the world to get angry about! Climate inaction, treatment of refugees, evasion of taxes, exclusion of many, mistreatment of the poor. I am sure you can make your own list. When you do, how about examining whether you can be grateful for that anger; whether you can use the energy that rises for a useful purpose; whether your actions can emulate the actions of Jesus – to promote resurrection, to provide new life, a new way of living; to live under grace and forgiveness. That would be a good use of anger!
Lord Jesus, thank you for the gift of anger. When we get angry, help us to examine it in the light of your love, and to use the energy provided for the good of all and to your glory. Amen.
Peter is often out tending his garden – with 83 fruit and nut trees and extensive native bushes, he says there is a lot to do! Other times, he will be walking his dog, reading (too many books at a time), enjoying his family (15 grandchildren), and occasionally writing – poetry, opinion pieces, devotions! He also tries to fit in a bike ride each day. To keep out of mischief, he is currently teaching himself to play the piano and is writing a paraphrase of each psalm. You can read these on his website, Creative Walking.
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