So righteous anger is threatening someone who makes us mad, right? We are no longer to turn the other cheek but retaliate with misdemeanor menacing and threats of violence that constitute stalking by finding someone’s address and intimidating them… Not Jesus’s forgiveness and non-violent approach, right? But direct threats and acting on anger right? I don’t see righteous anger aimed at a school board in Scripture or similar, can you help me find it? I don’t see Jesus encouraging us to do anything but follow legal laws guarding human rights and against violence and threats put in place by authorities He put in place directly. Like Pilate. I don’t see that stance reflected in the three verses you shared. I see:
Romans 12:19 (NASB20) Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written: “VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY,” says the Lord.
Matthew 5:22 (NASB20) “But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother shall be answerable to the court; and whoever says to his brother, ‘You good-for-nothing,’ shall be answerable to the supreme court; and whoever says, ‘You fool,’ shall be guilty enough to go into the fiery hell.
Luke 23:34 (NASB20) [But Jesus was saying, “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.”] And they cast lots, dividing His garments among themselves.
Jesus and God can be angry and act on it, yet He instructs us directly Not To. His anger is righteous, our's is not. His actions are perfect, our's are not. His threats aren't threats but already resolved declarations, our's are just threats and illegal by our terms, and His terms. Threatening violence, or being driven to it is what He told His apostles "NO" to. He said "No more of this" when Peter got violent. He may because He is God, we may not because He says do not retaliate.
Again, where did I say anything about retaliating. I spoke of defending our loved ones and being angry about injustice. In my personal example, you are correct, I did not behave in a Christ-like way (I was not very deep in my walk back then). But I did not follow through on my threat and you, being outside the situation, don't understand the overall context. Suffice it to say, he stopped bothering my wife. A husband is to protect his wife.
Sin starts in the heart, the actions need not be there. Being angry at others, does not bring the Body/world together. Jesus hated right, we can't functionally do the same. A husband is to protect his wife, AND follow the commandments. Threats are against the oaths commandment made by the Lord, "yes, yes" and "no, no" not "if you don't then I'll assault you". Any amount of anger is a bad seed, as it is not possible to love the one you are angry with, which is His greatest (and only) real commandment.
Inspiring & excellent read - thank you!
You’re welcome, thank YOU.
Excellent, and needed, reminders Vic. Thank you for your insight.
I'm glad you liked it, thank you for letting me know.
Cool how you were able to record your own voice. I still kind of like the British dude reading mine, I don’t like hearing myself ;)
Ha, yeah, I figure it makes it more genuine. But I have to get better equipment and better at not sounding so monotone. :)
Wow! This is so on point! I’m gonna have to sleep on that and read it again.
Thank you, Scot. 🙏
So righteous anger is threatening someone who makes us mad, right? We are no longer to turn the other cheek but retaliate with misdemeanor menacing and threats of violence that constitute stalking by finding someone’s address and intimidating them… Not Jesus’s forgiveness and non-violent approach, right? But direct threats and acting on anger right? I don’t see righteous anger aimed at a school board in Scripture or similar, can you help me find it? I don’t see Jesus encouraging us to do anything but follow legal laws guarding human rights and against violence and threats put in place by authorities He put in place directly. Like Pilate. I don’t see that stance reflected in the three verses you shared. I see:
Romans 12:19 (NASB20) Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written: “VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY,” says the Lord.
Matthew 5:22 (NASB20) “But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother shall be answerable to the court; and whoever says to his brother, ‘You good-for-nothing,’ shall be answerable to the supreme court; and whoever says, ‘You fool,’ shall be guilty enough to go into the fiery hell.
Luke 23:34 (NASB20) [But Jesus was saying, “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.”] And they cast lots, dividing His garments among themselves.
Wow. This clearly hit a hot button for you. Nowhere in my article did I say any of what your saying here.
"But we were given anger to fuel us against injustice. To defend righteousness. To protect the good. Remember, Jesus flipped tables."
Jesus and God can be angry and act on it, yet He instructs us directly Not To. His anger is righteous, our's is not. His actions are perfect, our's are not. His threats aren't threats but already resolved declarations, our's are just threats and illegal by our terms, and His terms. Threatening violence, or being driven to it is what He told His apostles "NO" to. He said "No more of this" when Peter got violent. He may because He is God, we may not because He says do not retaliate.
Again, where did I say anything about retaliating. I spoke of defending our loved ones and being angry about injustice. In my personal example, you are correct, I did not behave in a Christ-like way (I was not very deep in my walk back then). But I did not follow through on my threat and you, being outside the situation, don't understand the overall context. Suffice it to say, he stopped bothering my wife. A husband is to protect his wife.
Sin starts in the heart, the actions need not be there. Being angry at others, does not bring the Body/world together. Jesus hated right, we can't functionally do the same. A husband is to protect his wife, AND follow the commandments. Threats are against the oaths commandment made by the Lord, "yes, yes" and "no, no" not "if you don't then I'll assault you". Any amount of anger is a bad seed, as it is not possible to love the one you are angry with, which is His greatest (and only) real commandment.