Righteous wrath like Jesus displayed is a dangerous passion. I am always uncomfortable with the imagery of war in relationship to faith. But when wielded "against the enemies of love" in defense of the vulnerable... perhaps the anger at times is necessary.
Righteous Wrath
There are many kinds of hatred, as many kinds of fire;
And some are fierce and fatal with murderous desire;
And some are mean and craven, revengeful, sullen, slow,
They hurt the man that holds them more than they hurt his foe.
And yet there is a hatred that purifies the heart:
The anger of the better against the baser part,
Against the false and wicked, against the tyrant's sword,
Against the enemies of love, and all that hate the Lord.
O cleansing indignation, O flame of righteous wrath,
Give me a soul to feel thee and follow in thy path!
Save me from selfish virtue, arm me for fearless fight,
And give me strength to carry on, a soldier of the Right!
Henry Van Dyke (1852-1933)
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