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From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham

Q: I know the depth of human anger is caused by sin, but why does God get angry? – C.A.

A: The Bible tells us that God “is slow to anger” (Nahum 1:3, NKJV). He is patient beyond man’s capability. But there are many instances when God’s anger is revealed. The Prophet Nahum preached that God would take revenge on evil. “[He] will not leave the guilty unpunished.” Who are the guilty? Those who break the law of God, and we have all broken God’s law.

The human race judges through a human lens, not through the lens of Scripture. The truth is that God’s anger is always perfect; man’s anger is sinful. It leads to bitterness and hurt. Man’s anger is a destructive power. Can we overcome our anger instead of constantly being overcome by it? Yes! With God’s help. Peter’s anger was channeled into boldness for Christ. Paul’s anger against Christians was replaced with a burning passion to spread the Gospel.

Man may think he gets away with unrighteousness, but nothing escapes God’s knowledge, nor does man get away with anything. Sin leads to repentance or retribution. “The wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness” (Romans 1:18, NKJV).

When God’s anger is stirred, He often uses the power of nature to demonstrate His pending doom. “The Lord has His way in the whirlwind and the storm, and the clouds are the dust of His feet” (Nahum 1:3, NKJV). So, the storm clouds are swift, as holy feet stir up the dust of anger against man’s sin and disobedience, because God’s plan is to have fellowship with the human race, not conflict.

The history of the human race is largely the history of its anger. But anger flees when the Spirit of God fills our hearts.

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(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)

©2025 Billy Graham Literary Trust. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

(c)2026 BILLY GRAHAM DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC.