Is it Right to Be Angry?

by Oyelola | Sep 6, 2025 | Bible Study, Christian Living

Photo of Micah 6:8 on the wall of a building

The story of Jonah is a funny one. And well known among Christians (and some non-believers) – especially if you grew up in children’s ministry.

Here’s a recap if you’re not familiar with it:

God instructs Jonah to go and preach to the people of Nineveh, who’ve been caught up in wicked ways. But Jonah, knowing God will show mercy if the people repent, flees in the opposite direction. Why? Because he believes they don’t deserve God’s mercy.

So, naturally, God sends a fish to swallow Jonah – a three-day “time out” for his disobedience! During his time out, Jonah repents. The fish spits him out.

Then, Jonah obeys God and prophesies to the people of Nineveh. They believe and repent for their wicked ways. And God relents.

It’s an encouraging story of the grace and mercy of God, right? But Jonah disagrees. In fact, he’s angry.

“But to Jonah this seemed very wrong, and he became angry.”

Jonah 4:1 NIV

He knew this would be the outcome because he knew God’s character.

“I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity.”

Jonah 4:2b NIV

Jonah is so displeased with how Nineveh’s story ends that he wants to die. Now, that’s a bit dramatic. But that’s how passionately he was against Nineveh’s redemption.

And God calls him out on it:

But the Lord replied, “Is it right for you to be angry?”

Jonah 4:4 NIV

What Jonah thought was righteous anger, God reveals as self-righteousness. We can judge Jonah for his disobedience and mercilessness, but aren’t we sometimes guilty of doing the same?

Withholding a blessing God asks us to release to someone because we believe they don’t deserve it.
Feeling bitter when we see another person receive their breakthrough before us, when they haven’t sacrificed nearly as much.
Complaining about seeing a celebrity, who was previously deep in sin, find Jesus and experience even more abundance in their life.

We might allow these situations to stir up anger within us, thinking we know best. But is it right to be angry at the mercy of God? Aren’t we also meant to display this aspect of God’s nature?

He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.

Micah 6:8 NIV

Photo of one pair of hands sharing a rose with another.

Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment.

James 2:12-13 NIV

Let’s look at an example of what it means to show mercy when someone is unexpectedly elevated. In Acts 9, Saul was intensely persecuting the Lord’s disciples. He was on his way to Damascus to continue his pursuit when he had a supernatural encounter with Jesus that transformed his heart and changed his life.

Within a very brief period, Saul begins to “preach in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God” (Acts 9:20). After some serious humbling, the Lord promotes him to advance the kingdom of God.

Yet Saul grew more and more powerful and baffled the Jews living in Damascus by proving that Jesus is the Messiah.

Acts 9:22 NIV

Now, the apostles could’ve responded with jealousy. They’d put in the work and risked their lives and here was Saul gaining influence within moments of his salvation! Though we don’t see any mention of jealousy, the apostles were afraid it was a set-up. But after hearing Saul’s testimony, they took him in among their own.

So Saul stayed with them and moved about freely in Jerusalem, speaking boldly in the name of the Lord. Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace and was strengthened. Living in the fear of the Lord and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it increased in numbers.

Acts 9:28,31 NIV

The unity of the early Church, regardless of their background stories, attracted the Lord’s blessings. Better yet, it drew people to Jesus.

It’s God’s love, mercy and kindness moving through us that draws others to Him. And isn’t that our main goal as followers of Christ? To point people toward Jesus.

We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.

2 Corinthians 5:20 NIV

Think about it

Take a moment to lay down your pride and surrender to the Lord. Ask Him to reveal any anger in your heart, known or unknown, that has been misplaced. What is He showing you? Give it to God in prayer.

Pray about it

Lord, thank you for your mercy and kindness. For your love and grace that cover a multitude of sins. I don’t deserve it, but as I’ve freely received it, may I also freely give it to others in my world. I repent for withholding love and mercy, judging others and thinking I know best. I leave the judging to you as a just and holy God. And I choose to humbly walk as a vessel of your love. Amen.

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Written by Oyelola

Oyelola is a copywriter, brand voice strategist and pastor by day and the writer of He Speaks, I Write by night. She's a lover of Jesus, matcha and walks in the sunshine. Her heart is to see people know and experience the love, presence and power of God - to truly live an abundant life.