“Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body. ’In your anger do not sin’: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.” (Ephesians 4:25-27)
Today’s culture is so full of anger and pain. It is evident in politics, in the news, and on social media. People are hurting, and as the saying goes, “hurt people hurt people.” As a result, divides have erected in our nation, with no clear signs of reconciliation. Unfortunately, the church is not exempt from this. We too are guilty of using our anger as an excuse to sin.
It is important to note that Paul does not tell the church in Ephesus not to be angry. Anger can be justified, but Paul states, “In your anger, do not sin.” On several occasions, scripture tells us that Jesus felt anger. He was angered by the stubbornness of the Pharisees (Mark 3:5), the desecration of the temple (Matthew 12:12; Mark 1:15), and even by the behavior of His disciples (Mark 10:14). However, even in anger, Jesus did not sin. He did not use any of these situations as license to hurt others. Christ models righteous anger, showing that indignation can be an appropriate response, particularly when the actions of others contradict the will of God.
However, problems arise when we allow our anger to control us and act out in a way that is not honoring to the Lord. Paul goes on to warn believers, “do not let the sun go down while you are still angry.” Unresolved anger allows for feelings of hate and bitterness to fester. The enemy loves nothing more than when we allow our flesh to cloud our judgment. These negative emotions are what cause relationships to fracture and divides to form. We cannot preach unity and love to a world filled with hatred when we ourselves are divided in anger. The verses preceding this passage remind us that we have been called to a higher standard that reflects the righteousness and holiness of God (Ephesians 4:23-24). “We are all members of one body,” the body of Christ (Ephesians 4:25). As such, we have a duty to one another, to choose love even in anger. We must “be kind and compassionate to one another forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave [us]” (Ephesians 4:32).
For reflection:
- What do you think is the key to not letting our anger lead to sin? Ask God for the Holy Spirit to bring self-control into your life!
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