Ephesians 4:26-27
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.
Someone once said, Anger is temporary insanity. When you’re angry, it’s hard to think rationally, and it’s easy to make bad decisions.
Anger is a human emotion. We all get angry. Even Christ was angered at times. Anger in itself is not a sin. Notice this verse says in your anger do not sin. Meaning, it is the actions we take when we’re upset that cause us to sin.
Christians are not immune to getting angry or upset. Whether we get angry for the cause of Christ, or for our own personal cause, we all deal with anger on a regular basis.
How we respond and act in times of anger is important. It can lead to hurtful and destructive words and actions, and it has the power to destroy relationships and ruin lives.
There is a saying that goes, Let’s just sleep on it. Many times, sleeping on something can be helpful. However, the Bible warns us about going to bed angry.
Anger starts out like a small flame. If you instantly put the flame out, there is little to no damage that occurs. However, just like a fire grows and starts to consume what lies around it, anger grows and can consume our thoughts and effect our entire life. The longer we let it fester, the worse it becomes.
The Bible tells us not to give the devil a foothold. Satan loves to see Christians upset. It’s the perfect time for him to sneak right in and tempt us to do and say those things that displease God. Don’t give Satan the upper hand. It’s a lot easier for him to direct our thoughts and actions when we’re mad.
Getting angry may be inevitable, but letting it take control of our words and actions can be avoided. When Christians become angry, the first step we need to take is to call on the Lord. Pray for God to give you patience and guide your thoughts, words, and actions.
Open God’s word and follow His instructions for dealing with anger. He tells us to be slow in expressing our anger, but quick in dealing with it.
I love this excerpt from http://thegraceplace.wordpress.com.
We must be honest with what we feel and yet not allow it,… to control us. The Bible tells us to be “slow” in expressing our anger. (See James 1:19; Ecclesiastes 7:9; Prov. 25:8.) Ephesians 4:26 instructs us not to procrastinate in dealing with the issues that have produced our anger. Ephesians 4:26 says “do not let the sun go down on your anger.” Deal with the issues while they are clear and before they grow. We need to take care of our anger and the issues that produced it lest sinless anger becomes sinful bitterness, which is the product of long held resentment.
Don’t let your anger control you, but instead, give it to God and let Him guide you in dealing with this strong emotion. Don’t let it continue to grow and stifle God’s desire for you. Instead, turn to God and ask Him to help you deal with it in a way that will witness to others and glorify His name.
