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What does James 1:20 mean when it says, "human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires"?

James 1:20 NIV

James 1:19 - 27

ESV - 19 Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger. 20 For the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.

Clarify Share Report Asked June 24 2021 Mini Anonymous

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Solo   small Chet Shaner Supporter Retired Computer programer and Business Continuity Planer
It took me some time to comprehend that all emotions are chosen by humans. And Jesus was fully God, but also fully human. 

Many people incorrectly say Jesus didn't get mad. If you where a seller of animals and money changers when Jesus chose to display His anger when they were desecrating the Temple, you would certainly say Jesus got angry. John 2:16-17

Jesus chose many emotions. He cried (John 11:35), He had compassion (John 8:1-11), He was joyful (Luke10:21), and you can be very certain He was fearful (Matthew 26:38-40).

Why is it alright for Jesus to get angry and not humans? I am one who has an anger issue. Most of the time I can point back to the reason for my anger is selfishness. It started when I was a baby and couldn't get my diaper changed and continues to this day, seventy-five years later. Jesus knew when to choose anger, and His reason was not because of selfishness. 

What is truly amazing to me is that God is wrathful all the time, but at the same time He is loving, compassionate and graceful. Why is that? That's an answer that is far above my pay grade. But it is astounding to me.

Any time a born again Christian chooses anger as a response, it's time to ask the Holy Spirit what the reason was for that response. I would certainly say that it was not out of love, but probably selfishness.

Romans 7:21-24 points out the dual nature of Christians. Unfortunately we still have the sin nature to deal with, but verse 25 of the same chapter gives the answer, "Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself in my mind am a slave to God’s law, but in my sinful nature a slave to the law of sin." Romans 8 then goes into detail of the solution.

I suspect if Christians would take James’ advice, there would be a lot less anger and hurt feelings in this world.

June 24 2021 0 responses Vote Up Share Report


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