Jesus got angry. As a matter-of-fact, He made a whip with His own hands and “laid leather” to the backs of those He was angry with:

“And He found in the temple those who sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the money changers doing business. When He had made a whip of cords, He drove them out of the temple, with the sheep and the oxen, and poured out the changers’ money and overturned the tables.” – John 2:14-15 NKJV

And while the dust was settling, He said:

“Take these things [doves] away! Do not make My Father’s house a house of merchandise!” – John 2:16b NKJV

Jesus showed anger without sinning; so what does that mean for us? It means we see Him being zealous for the right things. In John chapter 2, it was for God’s house. He wasn’t angry over decorum, protocol, or social cause, He was angry over the corruption of purpose. However, it doesn’t provide us a license to let off steam when we want to. Jesus’ actions were deliberate, not from the loss of self-control (such as Moses striking the rock in the desert).

So what angers you and how do you handle it? Does it stay within the boundaries of zeal for the right things, or does it slip into reaction or bitterness toward someone? It can be tough to navigate, but Jesus knows what it feels like. Prayer is an absolute necessity for discerning the difference.

“Be angry and do not sin. Meditate within your heart on your bed, and be still. Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in the Lord.” – Psalm 4:4-5 NKJV