Justifiable anger
What is considered justifiable anger? When sin is involved, is justifiable anger only reserved for positions in authority? Can you please give me Scripture to reference? For example, when a child is abused by their parent, is their anger justified?
The Bible does not label all anger as being sinful. Jesus had justifiable or righteous anger when synagogue worshipers refused to answer his question whether or not it was lawful to do good on the Sabbath day by healing an individual (Mark 3:1-6) and when he cleansed the temple courts of money changers and merchandisers (John 2:15-17; Mark 11:15-16).
Christians too, not just those in authority, can have righteous anger when others set aside God’s commands: when they hurt and abuse others, when they mock God and his word, when they sin.
God’s concern though is that a person’s righteous anger might turn into sinful anger, so he says: “In your anger do not sin. Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry…Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger…” (Psalm 4:4; Ephesians 4:26, 31). As sinful human beings, our anger over other people’s sins might lead us to seek revenge, get even or wish evil on them. God expressly forbids those thoughts, emotions and actions (Romans 12:17-21; 1 Peter 3:9).
The bottom line is that we can walk a fine line with anger. The sins of others might rightly arouse our anger. We can express our displeasure of and concern for people’s sins. We might even seek justice. We will pray that those who have angered us will confess their sins and then enjoy God’s forgiveness of sins through faith in Jesus Christ. Ultimately we leave matters in the hands of God.