Road rage is a major problem in many societies today. The Bible does not specifically mention road rage, since cars did not exist in biblical times. However, the Bible does speak to the issues of anger, patience, revenge, loving others, and being slow to become angry. By applying these biblical principles, we can gain insight into how to deal with road rage from a Christian perspective.
Anger and Patience
The Bible has a lot to say about anger and patience. Anger itself is not necessarily sinful, but uncontrolled anger is warned against throughout Scripture. James 1:19-20 tells us to be “quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.” Impatience and flying off the handle while driving can turn road rage into sinful anger. We are called to exhibit patience in every situation (Ecclesiastes 7:8-9).
When we start to feel irritation or rage when driving, the biblical solution is to take a deep breath, calm down, and proceed patiently. Getting angry never improves the situation. Patience stems from trusting God is in control, even when annoying things happen on the road. “A hot-tempered person stirs up conflict, but the one who is patient calms a quarrel” (Proverbs 15:18).
Revenge
Some road rage involves retaliation against other drivers for perceived slights and bad driving. However, Romans 12:17-19 tells us never to repay evil with evil. Deuteronomy 32:35 declares that revenge belongs to God alone. Rather than taking vengeance, which escalates the conflict, we are to “overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:21).
This means resisting the urge to retaliate if another driver cuts us off or acts rudely. We should give others the benefit of the doubt and not react in anger. Leaving justice in God’s hands brings freedom from dwelling on the offense. Drivers who have harmed us deliberately or inadvertently will have to give an account before God, the true judge.
Loving Others
At the heart of road rage is a lack of love for others as God commands. We are called to “love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:39). But expressing impatience, hostility, or aggression toward other drivers violates the second greatest commandment. Other drivers are just as much God’s children as we are and should be treated with dignity.
Driving with loving consideration for those around us, even if they make mistakes, helps prevent road rage. The Bible instructs, “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love” (Ephesians 4:2). This includes fellow motorists. When love motivates our actions, road rage dissipates.
Slow to Anger
The Bible repeatedly advises being “slow to anger” (James 1:19; Proverbs 14:29, 15:18, 16:32). Flying off the handle in road rage represents the opposite. We are instructed not to be controlled by anger but to control our temper.
Remaining calm and resisting angry outbursts should govern our response while driving. “Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who has a hasty temper exalts folly” (Proverbs 14:29). Give others the benefit of the doubt and respond to road situations reasonably rather than with uncontrolled anger.
Apply the Golden Rule
Jesus commanded us to “do to others what you would have them do to you” (Matthew 7:12). This golden rule provides excellent guidance for road interactions. Treating fellow drivers as we want to be treated prevents anger and retaliation. If everyone on the road followed the golden rule, considerate driving would rule over road rage.
Before reacting angrily, ask how you want other drivers to respond when you make a mistake on the road. Extending the same grace you desire goes a long way in defusing tense situations. We tend to make excuses for our own mistakes as drivers while condemning the errors of other motorists. The Bible calls for consistent standards in line with the golden rule.
Be An Example
Christians are called to represent Jesus to the world through their conduct. Our driving behavior should reflect the light of Christ. “Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God” (1 Peter 2:12). Losing our temper in reckless driving fails to glorify God.
By exemplifying patience, kindness, and consideration on the road, we can point other drivers to the gospel. Our demeanor can witness to God’s grace and self-control. At times a simple hand wave and smile can diffuse another driver’s anger. Avoid making obscene gestures which dishonor Christ.
Value Life
Road rage can lead to violence and even taking the life of another driver. But the Bible firmly denounces murder and teaches the sanctity of human life. Every person is made in God’s image (Genesis 1:27), including that problematic motorist beside you.
Valuing the life of others makes road rage unthinkable for Christians. We should advocate for civil driving conditions that protect and preserve life. The instruction “you shall not murder” (Exodus 20:13) applies to all people at all times, including on the congested highway.
Pray for Other Drivers
Praying for other motorists is one of the best ways to diffuse anger against them. Ask God to bless them and work in their lives. “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Matthew 5:44). Drivers who aggravate us on the road are not true enemies, but praying for them still applies.
We can ask God to give them patience, grant traveling mercies, and draw them into relationship with Christ. Praying in the Spirit helps us respond to fellow drivers with supernatural love. Ask also for patience, wisdom and driving grace for yourself.
Keep Your Eyes on Jesus
Keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus enables us to navigate road rage situations properly. “Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus” (Hebrews 12:1-2). We are on the highway of holiness when we focus on Christ.
Asking “what would Jesus do?” in road encounters helps us drive with love. Playing worship music redirects our attention to God’s presence. Filling our mind with Scripture keeps us spiritually centered. The joy of the Lord is our strength against rage.
Confess Your Anger
The Bible tells us to confess our sins to find healing and restoration (James 5:16). Unresolved anger over road incidents can negatively impact our lives. Bringing our driving anger and offenses before God allows Him to work in our hearts.
Through confession, the Holy Spirit transforms us into more patient drivers reflecting Christ behind the wheel. God forgives our outbursts of road rage as we repent. We can even ask forgiveness of other drivers when possible. Letting go of driving anger frees us to move forward.
Seek the Fruits of the Spirit
Cultivating the fruits of the Spirit equips us to combat road rage emotions and actions. “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control” (Galatians 5:22). These godly traits enable healthy driving relationships.
Ask God to fill you with His fruits. The Holy Spirit empowers patience, kindness, gentleness, and self-control while driving. As we yield to God’s Spirit, road rage loses its grip. Even in heavy traffic, we can experience God’s peace and joy when rooted in the Spirit.
Conclusion
Road rage violates many biblical principles and should have no place in a Christian’s life. By applying the Scriptures, we can drive with love and patience. Keeping our eyes on Jesus enables us to respond properly to difficult road situations. Prayer and the fruits of the Spirit are key weapons against road rage. As Christians, our conduct on the roads can point others toward the light of Christ.