Despite what many think, anger is not a sinful emotional nor is it something unique to humanity. However, anger is part of the image of God in us and must be controlled by the Holy Spirit and used for the glory of God! 

EPHESIANS 4:17-5:20

“17 So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. 18 They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. 19 Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, and they are full of greed. 20 That, however, is not the way of life you learned 21 when you heard about Christ and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus.

22 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

25 Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body. 26 “In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 and do not give the devil a foothold. 28 Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need.

29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

5:1 Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children 2 and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. 3 But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. 4 Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. 5 For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a person is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. 6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient. 7 Therefore do not be partners with them.

8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light 9 (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) 10 and find out what pleases the Lord. 11 Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. 12 It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. 13 But everything exposed by the light becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light. 14 This is why it is said: “Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.”

15 Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. 18 Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, 19 speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, 20 always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

DON’T SIN IN YOUR ANGER!

Ephesians 4:26-27, “26 ‘In your anger do not sin’ (Psalm 4:4 LXX): Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 and do not give the devil a foothold.”

Four Things to Consider from the Passage:

  1. IT’S NOT A SIN TO BE ANGRY: There are many examples in the Bible of God and His people getting angry for good reasons (Exodus 11:8, Numbers 22:22, Deuteronomy 9:22,31:17, Mark 3:5 & Hebrews 3:10).
  2. SINFUL, UNGODLY ANGER IS DANGEROUS: Cain’s anger led him to murder his brother (Genesis 4:5), Moses’ anger cost him taking the Israelites to the Promise Land (Numbers 20:10), the Jewish leader’s anger caused them to have Jesus crucified (John 7:23) and anger made people kill Christians (Acts 7:54).
  3. UNREPENTANT ANGER LEADS TO GREAT HARM: Paul used the example of repentanting for ungodly anger before the sun sets because he knew the spiritual, emotional and physical toll it can have on someone’s life. Dr. Paul Meier wrote in his book, Happiness Is a Choice, “The root problem in nearly all depressions is pent-up anger, either toward ourselves (true or false guilt) or toward others (holding grudges).”
  4. UNGODLY ANGER GIVES THE DEVIL A FOOTHOLD: When we give into anger we give the devil a place in our lives to attack and deceive us in many destructive ways (John 10:10).

SEVEN THINGS UNGODLY ANGER CAN COST YOU

  1. Your relationship with others- parents, spouses, children, coworkers, neighbors & the church.
  2. Your peace of mind & sanity.
  3. Your ability to learn from others.
  4. Your freedom.
  5. Your destiny & success
  6. Your relationship God
  7. Your life.

FIVE WAYS NOT TO SIN IN YOUR ANGER

  1. Be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry; in other words be patient (long suffering) in all that do- especially with the emotion of anger (James 1:19).
  2. Do your best to overlook offenses (Proverbs 19:11).
  3. Be quick to forgive others as you have been forgiven (Matthew 18:21-35).
  4. When angry use self-control and only act in a way that is righteous (Zechariah 10:3).
  5. Leave room for the wrath of God (Romans 12:19-21).

Know the times in life when anger is a valid emotion, but don’t let it cause you to sin and let the devil into your life!