Key Verse: “Be angry and do not sin. Don’t let the sun go down on your anger, 27 and don’t give the devil an opportunity.” (Ephesians 4:26-27 CSB)
We have all witnessed an outburst of anger. It may have been a parent upset at a child for misbehaving, or two siblings fighting over who gets to play the next video game. Or perhaps it was the driver behind you on the highway that you accidentally cut off!
If we’re honest, we can admit that there are lots of times when the person who is angry is actually the one in the mirror. It’s a very natural emotion that we all experience, especially in a world that has been marred by sin. So it is very appropriate then that anger is one of the issues that the Apostle Paul addressed as he described to the Ephesian believers what it looks like to walk in a manner worthy of Jesus.
What do these verses have to say to us about anger? First, we are told that we must ensure that our anger is righteous and good, rather than rooted in sin. Paul wrote, “Be angry and do not sin” (v.26). What does that mean or look like?
The Psalmist wrote, “Rage seizes me because of the wicked who reject your instruction” (Psalm 119:53). Later, he wrote, “I have seen the disloyal and feel disgust because they do not keep your word” (Psalm 119:158). Anger that is good and righteous is that which is directed at the evil that we see in the world around us. We ought to feel disgust rather than indifference when we encounter sin.
Unfortunately, much of the anger we experience isn’t this kind of anger. Instead of being angry about the sin we see, we tend to get angry when our expectations are not being met, when our pride has been wounded, or when we’re simply being selfish. When that happens, we lash out with sinful anger. James tells us, “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger, for human anger does not accomplish God’s righteousness” (James 1:19b-20).
The second lesson we learn about anger is that it needs to be resolved quickly. Paul wrote, “Do not let the sun go down on your anger” (v.26). When we experience anger, we need to ensure that we don’t let it fester or burn for too long. While it’s a real and important emotion, it needs to be temporary and dealt with appropriately.
Why is that so important? When we refuse to deal quickly with our anger and work toward a resolution, we “give the devil an opportunity” (v.27). Unresolved anger is an open door for the devil to walk in and wreak all sorts of havoc in our hearts, our families, and our church communities. Paul’s point then is to not let that happen. Resist the devil by resolving your anger as quickly as possible.
Ultimately, the emotion of anger is one that should not be ignored or pushed aside. Rather it is something that we must learn to control and resolve in a manner that is pleasing to the Lord. How do we do that? We don’t overcome anger simply by trying harder. It’s not an issue of willpower, but of surrender. Anger can be controlled when we submit ourselves to the Holy Spirit and invite Him to transform our hearts in a godly way.
Will you do that today?
Prayer: Jesus, in the moments when I become angry, I want to respond in a way that honours you. Cleanse my heart from all selfishness and bitterness. Help me to not give the devil an opportunity in my life. Thank you that there is power to overcome sinful anger through your Holy Spirit. I surrender to you again today. Amen.
Author: Jonathan Miller has served in pastoral roles for more than 13 years in churches in Barrie, Oakville and Burlington, Ontario. He currently serves as the Chief Operating Officer at Prison Fellowship Canada, a ministry that mobilizes and equips local churches to engage in the restorative work of prisoners, ex-prisoners, their families, and victims across Canada. Jon holds degrees from McMaster University and Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. He and his wife Adrienne have been married since 2004, and live in Burlington, Ontario with their 4 children. Jon’s greatest passion is to know Jesus and to see lives transformed by Him and for Him.
