I’m Not Angry—I Am Wrathful: The Powerful Distinction Between Love and Justice

Reflections

I had an experience recently that shifted something deep inside me. It came right after I saw a post on Instagram—one of those rare moments where something you scroll past hits you with the force of a lightning bolt. The post said, “Wrath is a lack of justice. Anger is a lack of love.”

That one line cracked open something in me.

It came at the perfect time, because I was in the middle of expressing something in a way I never had before. I was using my voice with a kind of fire that even startled me. Anyone watching might have labeled me the classic stereotype—an angry Black woman. And honestly, for a second, I almost agreed. But the more I sat with that moment, the more I realized: I wasn’t angry. I was wrathful.

And yes, there is a difference.

That statement—wrath is a lack of justice—spoke to the exact experience I was having. I wasn’t just upset. I wasn’t just emotional. I was reacting to a deep, tangible injustice that had occurred. Something unfair had happened, and every fiber of my being was screaming to restore balance, to correct the wrong.

Here’s what I learned in that moment:

Wrath seeks justice. Anger seeks love.

And when you offer love to wrath, it feels like a mockery. It’s infuriating. Because love doesn’t resolve injustice—justice does.

So let me say this:

If you see a woman expressing herself with force, listen carefully. Ask yourself: Is she missing love, or is she missing justice? If it’s love, show up tenderly. If it’s justice, don’t pacify her—stand with her. Correct the wrong. Restore the balance.

Because if someone is wrathful, love alone won’t heal it. Only justice can.

And maybe, just maybe, the world needs to stop silencing wrathful Black women—and start listening to them. Giving them the justice that they so rightfully deserve.

Because we are not always angry.

Sometimes, we are the voice of justice that’s been ignored for far too long.

And it’s time to hear us.