Understanding God’s Anger and Our Responsibility
What Does This Passage Mean?
This post is about a serious warning from God, found in Romans 1:18-19. In simple words, it says that God shows His anger from heaven against people who ignore what is right and do wrong, especially when they know the truth but choose to go against it. God has shown everyone enough about Himself—through nature and our conscience—so that we all have the chance to know who He is.
Why Is God Angry?
God is not angry without a reason. The anger, or wrath, of God, is shown to those who hold back (or “suppress”) the truth. This means people know what is right but refuse to do it. Instead of letting the truth guide their lives, they push it away and ignore it. For example, God has made His power and what He is like clear through creation, so that nobody has an excuse for not respecting or obeying Him.
What Is Unrighteousness?
Unrighteousness means not doing what is right. It’s the opposite of being good and straight, like a crooked line. We show unrighteousness when we don’t do what we know we should do—when we refuse to live the way God wants us to. It’s not just about doing bad things, but also about not doing the good we know we should do.
How Do People “Hold the Truth in Unrighteousness”?
To “hold the truth in unrighteousness” means that people purposely hold back the influence of what is true. Instead of letting the truth change their hearts and actions, they resist it. Imagine hearing good advice but choosing to ignore it because it doesn’t fit your plans or desires. That’s what it means to suppress the truth.
God made our minds so that truth inspires us to do what’s right. If we ignore or fight against this, we are keeping the truth from having its proper effect on us.
How Is God’s Wrath Shown?
God’s anger isn’t always thunder and lightning. It can show up in different ways:
· Conscience: We feel guilty when we do wrong. That guilt is a sign that God is not happy with our choices.
· Remorse: Sometimes, we feel regret after doing something wrong. This is another warning from God.
· Fear: Many people are afraid of death or judgment, especially if they know they’ve done wrong. This fear is a signal that things aren’t right between them and God.
· Abandonment: If someone keeps ignoring the truth, God may let them continue on their path, making it harder for them to see what is good or feel guilty over wrong. This is a very serious place to be because their heart can become hard, and their conscience quiet.
· Direct Punishment: Sometimes, the Bible says God’s anger leads to punishment, as happened to people in history who kept resisting Him.
· Strong Delusion: After much warning, God may let people believe lies instead of the truth.
What Is the Main Lesson?
God holds everyone responsible for what they know. If we know the truth about God but choose to ignore it, or refuse to let it guide us, we are in danger of God’s anger. It’s not enough to be a good person in our own eyes or by human standards; what matters is if we are honest with God and live according to what He has shown us.
The Difference Between Saints and Sinners
A true Christian (saint) tries to live by God’s will. When they see something is their duty, they try to do it. But someone who does not truly follow God (sinner) knows what’s right but chooses not to do it. Often, they are only moved by what benefits them, not by what is simply right.
Why Is This Important?
If we hold back the truth—if we ignore God’s teachings and do not obey Him—we are being selfish. We may pretend to be good, but if we don’t care about God’s rights and just do things for our own gain, we are not truly good in God’s eyes.
Jesus and Righteousness
Jesus taught a lot about doing what is right. He said we need to truly live by God’s standards, not just pretend, and that those who really want to do what is right will be blessed by God. He also warned that just looking good on the outside is not enough; we must really seek to do what pleases God.
In Summary
God’s anger is not random or unfair. It is a just response to people ignoring, resisting, or suppressing the truth that God has clearly made known. The best response is to accept God’s truth, let it change our hearts, and live to honor Him—not just for reward or out of fear, but because it is right.
Remember: God sees our hearts. He wants us to know the truth, accept our duty, and do what is right. Let us not hold back the truth, but allow it to guide our lives every day.
Minister A Francine Green
August 2025
afrancinegreen.com 