Differences between Angry and Wrath
Anger is a powerful emotion, so why should I NOT remove it from the arsenal of emotions?
Scripture contains oppugning points about feelings of annoyance and the emotions it engenders. On the one hand, Scripture reminds us to be ye angry but sin not… (Ephesians 4:26) Another Scripture encourages us to slow down wrath. James 1:19.
One day, after disagreeing with others at work, my colleague described me as an angry black male. Although I became hesitant about others’ perceptions, as I pondered on Scripture, this hesitation became a motivational tool. When dealing with such emotions, we often use the terms - wrath and anger interchangeably, but these terms have subtle differences. Anger is a feeling of annoyance caused by a perceived injustice from one’s perspective. On the other hand, wrath refers to intense anger usually associated with a desire for revenge or punishment. While anger can exist as a temporary emotion, wrath persists longer and creates a deep-seated feeling of betrayal. Wrath is often seen as a more deliberate emotion, while anger seems impulsive. For this reason, wrath is a destructive force, while anger can serve as a constructive emotion, leading to positive change. One should view anger as the next step toward a solution. I say such because a particular problem only resolves when you become angry.
Growing up and playing sports, you find yourself in unpleasant situations known as losing. After you experience competition losses leading to anger, you find the determination to change your method to improve performance. Usually, you achieve the next level of performance only after getting angry. I will never forget the loss of a particular basketball game in high school that followed a late-night practice. This particular practice occurred immediately after the loss on the same night, which caused anguish to the level that team members quit. Although some players quit and went home, the ones who endured this practice became better and more committed. These players achieved more success during the following games, ending a season record of 29 wins and six losses.
In other words, anger becomes the next step to achieving a higher level of performance, leading to a constructive emotion necessary for growth. So, it is okay to become angry when used constructively while wrath remains far and far away. When channeled constructively, anger is a powerful catalyst for personal growth.
