Theme of the Week: Anger
Bible Verse: “Jesus entered the temple area and drove out all who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves. “It is written,” he said to them, “’My house will be called a house of prayer, but you are making it a den of robbers.” Matthew 21: 12-13 NIV
Scripture Reading: Exodus 32:19-20, Acts 13:8-11
When we examine the life of Jesus, we see a perfect example of righteous anger. In the temple, He passionately overturned the tables of the moneychangers and drove out those who were buying and selling, in response to their act of turning the house of God into a den of thieves (Matthew 21:12-13). However, even in His anger, we’re told Jesus did not sin. His actions were driven by a deep love for His Father’s house and a desire to restore true worship.
We, too, are called to be imitators of Christ in how we handle anger.
The Bible records many instances where people expressed righteous anger at evil or injustice:
- Moses was angry when he saw the Israelites worshiping a golden calf after God had delivered them from Egypt (Exodus 32:19-20). He broke the tablets of the law and destroyed the idol. He also confronted Aaron for leading the people astray.
- Jesus was angry when he saw the temple being turned into a marketplace by the money changers and merchants (John 2:13-17). He drove them out with a whip and overturned their tables. He also rebuked them for making his Father’s house a den of robbers.
- Paul was angry when he saw a sorcerer trying to turn the proconsul away from the faith (Acts 13:8-11). He rebuked him sharply and pronounced a judgment on him. He also called him a child of the devil and an enemy of all righteousness.
The life of Jesus provides an example of righteous anger. He expressed anger when He saw the temple being misused and when He witnessed injustice. However, He did not sin in His anger, and His actions were driven by love and a desire for restoration.
As followers of Christ, we are called to imitate His example in handling anger. We can cultivate righteous anger by praying for God’s perspective, asking Him to reveal any sinful motives within us. Engaging in God’s mission to fight against evil, seek justice, and love mercy allows us to resist evil and overcome it with love.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, help transform our thoughts and see the world through Your eyes. May our the things that break Your heart also break ours and stir us to action. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen..
Reflection: Today, commit to continually studying God’s Word to better understand His standards of righteousness and be motivated by love and a strong desire for restoration.
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