An honest conversation, a gentle hand on the shoulder, and a chance for forgiveness while the sun is still above the horizon. Image generated with ChatGPT by OpenAI.
““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 4:26-27 NIV
Chapter 4 of Paul’s Epistle to the Ephesians has one overarching theme: Unity among God’s people. He writes concerning unity in The Church and the need to follow — with discernment, of course — those in offices of spiritual leadership. Paul then turns to the character of followers of Christ, and the need to be transformed by His love. In his commentary on Enduring Word, David Guzik refers to this transformation as “putting off the old man, putting on the new man”.
What is the desired conduct of the new man (or woman)? They are truthful with each other. If they were thieves, they would get jobs and become productive members of society who are generous in nature. They speak gently and without foul language, and above all, they are kind and forgiving to everyone. Part of that new nature is found in Psalm 4:4, paraphrased in this verse as “In your anger do not sin.”
Notice that Paul is not suggesting that the “new man” may never get angry. The apostle is aware of anger, and realizes that it can degenerate into sin. For example, we have probably all become so angry with another person at one point in our lives that we end up saying untruthful things about them. The new man may get angry, but knows how to let go of that anger and not let it devolve into sin. Bible Hub notes:
Such anger must remain subject to God’s righteousness and must not become hatred, harsh speech, revenge, or contempt. A fool gives full vent to anger, but a wise person restrains it (Proverbs 29:11).
There is a piece of advice in the first verse that I think could be one of the reasons Barb and I have been married for 47 years — “Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry.” We first heard this advice from Barb’s mother, and we somehow remembered these words and tried to take them to heart. Reconciling as a couple, or pursuing reconciliation with others, should be done as quickly as possible. The end of the day is a perfect place to drop anger — it’s going to make getting to sleep much easier, and you’ll wake up the next day without bitterness towards that other person.
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus commanded His followers to seek peace with those who they had wronged before bringing an offering to God (Matthew 5:24). Refusing to resolve anger in a timely manner opens a door to sin, distorts judgment, and damages the fellowship we are to have with other believers.
Let’s take a look at the last eight words here — verse 26: “and do not give the devil a foothold.” In the context of the preceding verse, not resolving anger with others can result in bitterness, destructive speech, and even anger. All of these things can tempt us to sin against others.
It is Satan who actively opposes God’s people by stirring up conflict between believers through accusation, deception, and eventually division. Giving in to anger is giving in to the devil, and there is no place for unresolved anger in the Christian life.
Heaven On Wheels Daily Prayer:
Heavenly Father, help us speak truthfully and remember that we belong to one another in Christ. When anger rises, keep us from sinning in our words and actions. Give us humility to seek forgiveness and pursue peace before the sun goes down. AMEN.
Needed the Reminder brother thank you