Catholic Questions - Anger

Is it a sin to get angry?

In the Bible, Jesus himself got angry, so anger itself is not a sin. Perhaps-as was true for Jesus-if we are angry at something that is unjust, our anger might help us take action to help the victim or to change what is unfair. But anger is also dangerous, and too much harm has been done in the world by people acting out of anger in hurtful ways.

So when you feel angry, I suggest these three steps:

1. First, recognize and name it: "That feeling inside of me is anger," or "I feel angry now."
2. Next, try to understand as best you can why you feel angry. Perhaps, for example, you are angry because you didn't get your way, because someone you love was taken advantage of or because your own expectations were too high.
3. Then, with God's help, decide what to do with that anger. For example, you might need to tell that person that you are angry; your anger might help you realize that you need to work on your own attitude; or maybe you just need to offer your anger to Jesus who was himself treated unfairly and who forgave even those who killed him.

Anger itself is not a sin. It is what we do when we are angry that will make all the difference in the world.