The Bible talks about God’s wrath in many places. For example, “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever disobeys the Son will not see life, but must endure God’s wrath” (John 3:36 NRSV); and “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and wickedness of those who by their wickedness suppress the truth” (Romans 1:18 NRSV).
But God’s wrath must not be through of as uncontrolled fury or personal animosity. His response to sin could better be described as righteous indignation. God hates sin, but he is not the enemy of anyone. He loves everyone (see Romans 5:8), yet his perfect moral nature automatically rejects sin; he cannot ignore or condone willful rebellion. God is not out of control; he is patient and long-suffering. His anger is very real, but the full force of it, with manifested action, will be revealed later. He wants to remove the sin and restore the sinner – if the sinner does not reject the truth. But his wrath erupts against those who persist in sin. God’s love is as real as his wrath. Do not overstate one in favor of the other.
