I don’t know about you, but I get upset when my kids interrupt me during my podcast recording. I trained them well to behave at home in these very challenging and stressful times of global pandemic and online work/school. So, when my daughter came downstairs while I was in the middle of interviewing a guest, I knew it wasn’t a behavioural issue. I felt that it was important, and I am glad that I let her speak and ask her question because it inspired me to write this blog post and create my new episode of the Love&BLoved podcast. Most importantly, it made me think.
Usually, I edit out interruptions, but I kept this conversation so you can also ponder this simple but profound and very important question. I bet you’ve asked yourself this question, maybe in a different form, throughout your life. That’s why I want to tell you what I’ve learned for the last few years of my journey. She asked me, “Does God ever get mad?”
I didn’t expect this and whispered: “It’s very good conversation… and He does but He is gracious, and it takes a lot of time to get angry, but we will talk about this later…” No, my English is not perfect, well it does sounds better in my head. You might be thinking that I have no business being an author, speaker and podcast host, but God called me to do this work, and trust me, I know that this is exactly what I should be doing. So, I hope my accent, or my grammar won’t stay in the way of you hearing this massage.
A few days after that episode was released, I kept thinking about that question. I hope you will find something to consider or look deeper into it yourself to know more. By no means am I a scholar, I am a wife and a mother and it’s my own understanding with bible verses and google searches. The answer is yes. God does get angry. But the difference is that His anger is righteous. He doesn’t throw a fit because He is hungry or tired. Isaiah 40:28 says, “Do you know? Have you not heard? The Lord is everlasting God. The Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and His understanding no one can fathom.”
So, we cannot think that God is like us, getting triggered by our past trauma or discomfort of our body or mind. Jesus said in Matthew 11:29 “Take my yoke, (not an egg yolk, but He is referring to a wooden crosspiece that is fastened over the plow or a cart that they are to pull) upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your soul.” In another translation it says meek and lowly of heart. Being meek doesn’t mean weakness but means behaving with goodness and kindness. Another definition of meekness is power under control.
Then what provokes God’s anger? I got this from dailyworld.com: “Mankind provokes God to anger by their sinful actions towards Him and others. Yes, God is a loving and caring God, but He is also a God of judgement.” Wrath is retributory punishment for offence or a crime. “For all have sinned and fall short of glory of God.” Romans 3:23. (Sin is an immoral act, considered to be a transgression of divine law.) The good news is “But You, o Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness” I believe it’s Psalm 145:8. And Jesus!” This is the reason that Jesus came to earth: to save His people from their sins by His life, death and resurrection. His great purpose was to restore sinners to their God so that they may have eternal life forever with Him.” (cumberlink.com) He is my hope!
For me, being a parent helped me understand God the Father. I know how hard is to be the judge, jury and executioner when I discipline my children. But it’s not because I don’t love them, but because I DO! “They demonstrate that God’s law is written in their hearts, for their own conscience and thoughts ether accuse them or tell them they are doing right.” Romans 2:15. Even though I love my children, they do hurt me or make me angry because of sin in our life. I believe that in the same way we hurt God when we sin against Him.
“Well,” you say, “He did wipe out people in Noah’s flood…” But read carefully why He did that. The flood was because mankind was evil, full of violence, murder, occult sexuality and was beyond repentance. Things were so bad that… “the Lord regretted that He had made human beings on the earth, and His heart was deeply troubled.” Genesis 6:6. Still after He said to Noah: “I establish my covenant with you: Never again will all the life be cut off by the waters of flood; never again will there be a flood to destroy the earth.” Genesis 9:11
“God’s anger is righteous, under control and never pity. Human anger often is filled with pride, hate or often sinful motives God opposes the wicked and His anger is meant to turn them away from evil and towards the forgiveness and freedom found in Jesus.” (doesgod.com) I believe that it is my right to discipline my children as I see fit because I know them best and I discipline them for their benefit. I believe God is good and He is a righteous Parent.
Conclusion: Yes! God does gets mad, but He also loves you impeccably always and forever! God’s character and power are beyond our ability to fully comprehend. “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither your ways my ways, declares the Lord. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts” Isaiah 55:8-9. Let me know if you want to know more. What are your thoughts on this question: Does God ever get mad?
Stay healthy. Stay safe. Love&BLoved.
Lena Cebula 