The verse in question, 1 Corinthians 13:5, states that love “is not easily angered.” This is part of a larger passage describing the nature of godly, agape love. To fully understand what it means that love “is not easily angered,” we must examine the original Greek wording, look at the broader context of 1 Corinthians 13, and connect it to other biblical teachings on anger and patience.
The Greek Word for “Angry”
In the original Greek, the phrase “is not easily angered” comes from a single word: paroxynetai. This word derives from the term paroxysmos, meaning “provoked” or “irritated.” The basic idea is that true agape love does not have a hair-trigger temper; it is not readily provoked or irritated to anger. This sets godly love apart from human love, which often flares up in rage at the smallest offense. Agape love, empowered by the Holy Spirit, has patience and self-control.
The Context of 1 Corinthians 13
Paul places his description of love “not being easily angered” in a chapter dedicated to the supremacy of love. The Corinthians prided themselves on their spiritual gifts, but Paul says gifts without love are worthless. He wants the Corinthians to pursue true loving character above all else. Not flying off the handle at every annoyance or disagreement is a key aspect of walking in love. Later in chapter 13, Paul reiterates that love “keeps no record of wrongs” (v. 5). Holding grudges and nursing offenses is incompatible with agape love that “is not easily angered.”
Anger in the Bible
Scripture makes an important distinction between righteous anger and sinful human anger. Righteous anger hates evil and injustice, but it remains under God’s control (Mark 3:5). Sinful anger is rooted in pride, selfishness, and lack of self-control. It often escalates into destructive rage (James 1:19-20). Believers are to put away all bitterness and wrath (Eph 4:31), forgiving others as Christ forgave us (Col 3:13). This is only possible through the sanctifying work of the Spirit.
Patience, Mercy, and Kindness
The Bible continually affirms that love is patient and slow to anger (Prov 14:29, 16:32). God Himself is “slow to anger” (Ex 34:6, Psalm 103:8). As we grow in godly love, we become “quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger” (James 1:19). We extend mercy and patience to others, just as Christ does with us. This is part of the “fruit of the Spirit” that manifests in those who follow Jesus (Galatians 5:22-23).
What Does “Not Easily Angered” Look Like in Practice?
When we walk in the love of Christ by the power of the Spirit, we will demonstrate the following:
- Patience in frustrating circumstances
- Holding our tongue when tempted to speak harshly
- Letting minor offenses roll off our back
- Taking time to understand the perspective of others
- Giving people the benefit of the doubt
- Slowing down our response, resisting impulsive anger
- Seeking reconciliation and forgiveness after conflicts
- Releasing grudges and bitterness toward those who’ve wronged us
- Asking God to search our hearts and deal with sinful anger
- Walking in the peace and self-control produced by the Spirit
Not Easily Angered with Our Brothers and Sisters
Scripture strongly warns against unrestrained anger between believers. We are members of one body in Christ (Rom 12:5). God calls us to “be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love” (Eph 4:2). This includes showing tolerance for annoying habits and idiosyncrasies of those around us. As 1 Peter 4:8 says, “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.”
Not Easily Angered in Marriage
Paul tells husbands to love their wives as Christ loved the church (Eph 5:25). An essential part of this agape love is not being “harsh” or “bitter” towards one’s wife (Col 3:19). There will inevitably be sinful anger and conflict in marriage, but godly spouses humbly repent and forgive so anger does not fester. They extend grace and patience to one another, just as God does for us. Mutual love makes anger far less dangerous.
Not Easily Angered with Children
In instructing fathers not to “exasperate” their children (Eph 6:4, Col 3:21), the Bible warns against excessive and unrighteous anger. Jesus welcomed and blessed little children (Mark 10:13-16). But unchecked anger risks teaching children that rage is an acceptable reaction, which can have disastrous consequences. Parents are to discipline with loving self-control, not angry outbursts.
Not Easily Angered by Suffering and Trials
All Christians experience suffering, and it can be easy to become bitter and angry. But God uses our trials to refine and sanctify us. The key is trusting His sovereign purposes. We know He is never unloving or unjust. Those who walk in agape love respond to hardship by drawing closer to Christ, not sinfully venting rage. As James exhorts, we need patience under suffering so that we may be “mature and complete, not lacking anything” (James 1:2-4).
Not Easily Angered in a Fallen World
It’s easy to become enraged as we see increasing immorality and godlessness in culture. Yet the church is called to overcome evil with good (Rom 12:21), having compassion for the lost. We must speak the truth in love (Eph 4:15), entreating people to be reconciled to God (2 Cor 5:20). And we trust that God’s purposes will ultimately prevail, even when earthly circumstances are grim. Righteous and wise action, not angry outbursts, is needed in these difficult times.
The Need for Discernment
In saying love “is not easily angered,” the Bible does not condemn all forms of anger. There are things worthy of righteous anger, such as injustice, religious hypocrisy, oppression of the weak, and unrepentant sin in the church (Eph 5:6). Jesus Himself made a whip and overturned tables in zeal for God’s house (John 2:13-16). However, godly anger is marked by purity of motives, self-control, grief over sin, and desire for the other’s good.
The Solution for Anger: Abiding in Christ
Our human nature will always struggle with sinful anger. But as believers walk in the Spirit, study God’s Word, and continually surrender to Christ’s lordship, they can experience progress in overcoming wrath and abounding in love. The Holy Spirit produces His fruit of patience, kindness and self-control (Gal 5:22-23). And our minds are renewed in Christ-likeness (Rom 12:2). But we must persevere in faith, repentance and prayer. Thankfully, God gives more grace to the humble (James 4:6).
Conclusion – Love Bears, Believes, Hopes and Endures
Agape love modeled by Jesus does not fly off the handle in rage at every offense. It does not make excessive demands that people earn good treatment. Rather, love “bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things” (1 Cor 13:7). This kind of love only comes from abiding in Christ, the True Vine (John 15:1-9). As His divine life flows through us, our human anger is increasingly subdued. By the Spirit’s power, we live out Jesus’ beautiful character of love, patience, kindness and self-control. Glory be to God!
