Does God get angry when we sin?

Question

Gramps,

We read from the Book of Mormon every night and I can’t help but notice the pattern with the pride cycle. Something that is also consistent is God’s anger. Do you feel that God does get angry with us when we sin? Is this a misunderstanding of the people in the scriptures both the Book of Mormon and the bible? I know blessings are predicated upon certain commandments lived but is there some punishment that comes from the anger of God?
Bryant

Answer

Bryant,

God’s anger is portrayed in scripture as a righteous response to injustice and wickedness. Unlike human anger, which is often impulsive and driven by personal offense, God’s anger is calculated and purposeful. It reflects His divine attributes—justice, holiness, and love. The scriptures affirm that God’s anger is not capricious; rather, it is a necessary part of His justice system. For example, in the Book of Mormon, the destruction of wicked civilizations, such as the Jaredites, is attributed to the Lord’s righteous anger (Ether 14:25). This illustrates that God’s anger is directed toward the consequences of sin and the choices made by individuals and groups.

The scriptures provide numerous examples illustrating God’s anger when faced with wickedness. In the Book of Mormon, the Jaredite civilization was destroyed because “the Lord did visit them in the fulness of his wrath” due to their wickedness (Ether 14:25). Similarly, in 3 Nephi 9:1-12, the Savior recounts the destruction of cities, emphasizing that it was their “iniquity and abominations” that led to their downfall.

In the Bible, God’s anger is also evident. In Exodus 12:12, He states, “For I will pass through the land of Egypt this night, and will smite all the firstborn in the land of Egypt,” demonstrating that His judgments are closely tied to the actions of His children. This righteous anger serves as a reminder of the seriousness of sin and the need for accountability.

While God experiences anger, He also feels sorrow and compassion when His children sin. His reaction is often described as grief over the pain and suffering that sin brings upon humanity. In Moses 7:32-34, God expresses sorrow for the wickedness of His children, showing that His anger is always accompanied by a desire for their repentance. The Lord’s compassion is evident in His desire for all to repent and return to Him, which underscores His overarching goal of love and redemption rather than punishment.

God’s nature embodies a perfect balance between justice and mercy. As stated in the scriptures, “Vengeance is mine; I will repay” (Doctrine and Covenants 121:24). This highlights that while God is just and will not overlook sin, He also provides mercy through repentance and the Atonement, enabling His children to overcome their transgressions.

The teachings of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints emphasize that understanding God’s emotions can help believers navigate their feelings of anger and frustration. For example, Church leaders often encourage members to differentiate between righteous anger, which can motivate just action, and sinful anger, which can lead to harm and destruction. The Church teaches that while God can be angry, His anger is always just and purposeful, aimed at fostering repentance and justice.

Importantly, God’s anger is not the end of the story; He provides a path for forgiveness through repentance. Doctrine and Covenants 19:15-20 emphasizes that while sin incurs consequences, God has offered the Atonement of Jesus Christ as a means to overcome sin and return to Him. His ultimate goal is not punishment but salvation.

The notion that God’s anger is a form of divine judgment is balanced by His mercy. For example, in the context of suffering, God is depicted as a loving Father who grieves for His children when they suffer the consequences of their sins. This duality of God’s nature encourages believers to view anger not merely as a punitive emotion but as part of a divine relationship that includes grace, mercy, and the hopeful promise of redemption.

In summary, while God’s anger at sin is a necessary aspect of His justice and desire for righteousness, this anger is always accompanied by compassion and a desire for repentance. The teachings of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints portray God as a loving Father who desires His children to choose the right and return to Him. His anger serves as a reflection of His holiness and justice, aimed at guiding His children back to a path of righteousness and peace.