✦ Teaching: Righteous Anger That Produces Fruit ✦
- karenjuly1965
- Aug 25
- 4 min read
My testimony about anger:
Sometimes anger spews out of me. But even in that, I’m learning — this is not about venting. It’s about recognizing that Jesus Himself showed anger, yet He did not sin.
“In your anger do not sin” (Ephesians 4:26).
Why was it not a sin for Jesus to flip over tables?
Because His anger was rooted in righteousness. The temple was being disgraced with greed, selfishness, and disregard for God’s holiness. Jesus’ response was not about losing control — it was about restoring honor to His Father’s house (John 2:15–17).
Can anger be a way to get strong-headed people’s attention to care?
Yes. Even in my own home, Maddie (my dog) looks at me and refuses to come when called. Disobedience gets worse when she thinks her way is okay. But it’s not okay.
If even a dog’s disobedience matters — how much more important is human disobedience to God?
✦ What is God teaching us about obedience?
The greatest commandments:
Jesus said all the Law and the Prophets hang on two commandments:
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind.”
“Love your neighbor as yourself.”
(Matthew 22:37–40)
The prophets pointed to Jesus. Their message was always about turning hearts back to God, about obedience rooted in love.
✦ What is sin?
Sin is anything that disrespects Jesus. He has made us the righteousness of God
(2 Corinthians 5:21). Wouldn’t sin be anything less than what God says we are in Him?
So, the real question is:
What does God say?
Do we know?
How could we know?
The answer is His Word. The Bible reveals His voice. And His Spirit confirms it.
✦ What is love?
Love is patient, kind, not self-seeking, not easily angered (1 Corinthians 13).
And love is not just a description — it is a Person. “God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them” (1 John 4:16).
✦ The Fruit of the Spirit
Galatians 5 tells us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such things there is no law.
Anger that honors God will always aim to protect these fruits — not destroy them.
✦ The Purpose of God in Anger
God’s purpose in anger is not destruction, but transformation. He desires righteousness to come forth.
Not the exchange of money in the temple — but the exchange of unrighteous living for the righteousness of God.
This is the gift: life eternal, that we may live and know God and the Son He sent
(John 17:3).
✦ So, in our anger, do not sin.
What would that sin look like?
Reacting to hurt in the flesh instead of in the Spirit.
Tearing down instead of building up.
Holding onto bitterness instead of releasing it.
What does righteous anger look like?
It honors God’s holiness.
It leads to repentance.
It produces fruit that lasts.
✦ God Works All Things for Good
Romans 8:28 reminds us:
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
We are called.
But to be chosen, we must be pruned.
How do we know what needs pruning in our hearts unless we see what’s still in there?
✦ Why must we know Jesus got angry?
Because it shows us
He was tested in every way, yet without sin (Hebrews 4:15).
His anger teaches us that emotions are not sin in themselves — it’s what we do with them.
Through Jesus and through our own trials, we
learn: anger can become an opportunity.
An opportunity to prune what is flesh.
An opportunity to strengthen what is Spirit.
An opportunity to reveal the righteousness of God at work in us.
🌿 Closing Reflection
Jesus got angry — and sinned not.
So can we. But only if our anger leads us to righteousness, not away from it.
The question is not: “Will I feel anger?”
The question is: “Will I let my anger produce fruit for God’s glory?”
💜 Heart Moment: Anger That Bears Fruit
Sometimes I feel anger rise up in me — and yes, it can even spew out. But I remember: Jesus also felt anger. He flipped tables in the temple, and yet He did not sin.
Why? Because His anger was rooted in love for His Father’s house and holiness. It wasn’t about losing control; it was about restoring what was broken.
Even in my own life, I see how disobedience — whether in a stubborn pet or in people — stirs something in me. But God is showing me this: anger can reveal what still needs pruning in my heart.
Anger itself isn’t the problem. The question is:
Will I let it lead to sin, or will I let it lead to fruit?
When I surrender my emotions to God, He uses even my anger to shape me — so that His righteousness, not mine, comes forth.
✨ I hope this helps you open your heart to believe again. May it bless you, as it has blessed me in the telling.
🔗 Want to grow with us in the Word?
Join us as we learn together and walk closer with Jesus.
👉 Visit the full series page:
When You See, You Have a Choice – Teaching Serieshttps://www.hopeintoday.com/teaching-series
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