Affectionate Anger
Comments on Galatians with an ear to Luther’s commentary
Scripture Text: Galatians 3:1 and Ephesians 4:25-27
Series: Comments on Galatians
Now, there is a concept: affectionate anger. Society dictates against anger (unless it is anger at people who disagree with cultural correctness). Yet here is Paul being angry with his charge and Luther being his cheerleader. What is a pastor to do but ignore modern culture and follow the Apostle’s example? Real love rebukes when necessary. Correction is always needed (semper reformanda) in the life of the church but must each time fall along the lines of, “What is written?” This is the loving check built into any correction. Pastoral criticism must be rooted in the Scriptures. When it is, it may at first be perceived as anger but may soon enough be understood for what it actually is: affection.
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Rev. Dr. Mark E. Ryman has served as Pastor for St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Salisbury, NC, since 2021. Previously, Pastor Ryman served congregations in North Carolina and Ohio, as well as a call to specialized ministry with Sola Publishing.
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