Definition
Indignant is defined as feeling or displaying anger or indignation over something unprincipled, mean or unworthy. It is usually associated with having a combination of offense and anger towards the perpetrator of the wrong doing. In the Bible, it is used to refer to a wide variety of emotions and thought processes.
Origins
The first appearance of indignant in the Bible appears in the Book of Exodus. In Exodus 22:27, God warns the people of Israel, “You shall not wrong a sojourner or oppress him, for you were sojourners in the land of Egypt.” This is interpreted as a warning from God to be compassionate and welcoming to people from different lands, and to refrain from wronging or oppressing them.
The word is also used several times in the books of Samuel, in reference to God’s anger or displeasure with people who have failed to follow his commandments. For example, in 2 Samuel 6:7, it says, “And the anger of the Lord was kindled against Uzzah, and God struck him down there because of his error, and he died there beside the ark of God.” In this case, Uzzah had touched the Ark of the Covenant, an act that was strictly forbidden. The use of “anger of the Lord” is interpreted as a manifestation of God’s indignant nature.
Symbolic Meaning
At its core, being indignant in the Bible is a symbolic representation of God’s disapproval and displeasure towards sin. It is seen as a sign that God is prepared to take action against wrongdoers, even when it means exacting the ultimate punishment.
From a moral perspective, being indignant in the Bible can also be interpreted as a sign of God’s integrity and moral fiber. The stories of the Bible are filled with examples of God being indignant when people ignore his commands or act in an immoral manner. This is seen as proof that God is a moral authority and will not stand for sin or wrong doing in any form.
Types of Indignation
In the context of the Bible, there are two types of indignation that are discussed in both the Old and New Testaments. The first is righteous indignation, which is simply an expression of God’s anger or displeasure towards the wrongdoer. The second type is self-righteous indignation, which is an expression of disapproval or anger towards another person with the assumption that the other person is not right with God.
Relevance to Today
Though the Bible is thousands of years old, the principles of being indignant as discussed within have not changed. Today, being indignant still serves as a reminder of the importance of morality, justice and righteousness. It is an indication that God is displeased with sin and wrong doing, and that he will take action against those who choose to ignore his commandments.
Impact on Human Behavior
The concept of being indignant as seen in the Bible can have a profound impact on human behavior. By understanding God’s expectations of us, we can be more conscious of our actions and how they may affect others. This awareness can lead to us feeling more inspired to act ethically and responsibly, and to make choices that are in line with God’s wishes.
Responding to Indignation
When we feel God’s indignation towards our actions, it is important to respond in the proper manner. The Bible emphasizes the importance of seeking forgiveness and repentance when one has done wrong. Additionally, it also calls on us to be humble and contrite in admitting our wrongdoings and to have faith that God will forgive us.
Handling an Indignant Response from Others
It is also important to note that, just as we should respond to God’s indignation with humility and repentance, we should also respond to the indignation of others with understanding and compassion. The Bible teaches us that we should be willing to forgive wrongdoers and to extend them grace and mercy.
Regenerating from Indignation
After experiencing God’s or another person’s indignation, it is also important to take steps to ensure that the same situation does not happen again. This could include making an effort to correct behavior, developing new skills or habits, and seeking God’s guidance. Regeneration from indignation is an important step in making sure that we are doing what is right and living according to God’s will.
Controlling Our Own Indignation
Finally, it is important to note that it is not just others who experience indignation. We, too, have the capacity to feel it. We must be conscious of our own thoughts and emotions, and strive to always be thinking and acting in a way that is in line with God and his teachings. This includes being aware of when we are feeling indignant, and then taking steps to control our emotions and practice patience.
Consequences of Not Responding to Indignation
Failure to respond to God’s or another person’s indignation can have serious consequences. Not responding can lead to further damage to relationships, misunderstanding and hard feelings. Furthermore, it can prevent us from experiencing the blessings that come with following God and doing the right thing.
Material Consequences
The Bible also teaches that there can be material consequences to not responding to indignation. In some cases, it is not just our spiritual life that is affected, but also our financial, personal, and emotional lives. In these cases, it is important to recognize the connection between our actions and their material consequences, and to take steps to make sure that we are making decisions and choices that will yield good results, both spiritually and materially.
Evangelism
The concept of being indignant as seen in the Bible can be an important tool for evangelism. By sharing stories from the Bible about God’s indignation towards sin and wrong doing, we can help others recognize the need for forgiveness and repentance, and encourage them to seek God’s guidance and grace.
Application in the Modern World
The concept of being indignant as seen in the Bible is still relevant and applicable in the modern world. In today’s society, there are still countless instances of wrong doings and immoral actions. By understanding and remaining familiar with the stories of the Bible, we can make sure that we are always responding to these occurrences in a way that is in line with God’s teachings, and that is ultimately beneficial to us and those around us.
