Here is my commentary on Ephesians 4:26-27. I am publishing these once or twice a week, but you can read all of the available articles at our web-site, http://www.new-life.org.au

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 an opportunity.”

Anger in its uncontrolled form is a quality that belongs to the old nature. There is a place for what is called righteous anger, but we need to make sure that it does not give an opportunity for the devil to get into our lives.

Paul seems to be saying here that anger is a reality in our human condition, and we need to deal with it in a godly manner.

Anger can be defined as an emotion which directs us to self defence or the defence of others when a threat arises. Anger can be a good thing in that it motivates us and energises us in the face of provocation or threat.

Anger is a problem when it leads to uncontrolled rage. We’re not content with a blast of the horn at a thoughtless driver, but instead we ram their car or stop them and hit them long after the threat to our safety has gone.

Anger can lead to resentment or hostility that constantly pushes other people away and destroys relationships. This kind of anger is like a psychological cancer that eats away at our soul.

A psychologist once described anger as like the “check engine” light in a car. it is a sign something is wrong and needs attention before a catastrophic failure occurs.

Anger can become a smokescreen for avoiding our own responsibility for our actions and attitudes. it leads to the reflex in which we constantly blame others for things we have done or failed to do.

Anger is a natural human emotion and, properly handled, it can be a good thing.

Jesus is moved to anger on a number of occasions, but never as a result of others provoking him. The most clear example of this is when he removed the corrupt money changes and animal traders from the Temple. John’s gospel tells us that he “made a whip out of cords” (John 2:15), suggesting that his actions were not a spontaneous rage, but a controlled fire.

We know that Jesus was tempted in all ways, but remained without sin (Hebrews 4:15). His anger must have been without sin also.

How can we be angry without sinning?

Firstly, we need to make sure that we do not allow the emotion to run away with us. Anger, or rage, can cloud our thinking so that we just want to destroy things or hurt people. This is sin.

Secondly, we need to determine if our anger is really a godly anger. Am I allowing self-protection to direct my actions, or is this a genuinely God-inspired action?

Thirdly, we should ask” Will my actions harm other people?” If we will be killing or injuring people, then we need to reconsider.

Paul tells us that we should not let the sun go down on our wrath. This is not permission to maintain the rage until a particular time of the day. We are not to think that we can allow ourselves to be offended in the evening and hold on to it for 24 hours.

Since the Jews counted each day as starting at sunset, Paul is effectively saying “Don’t hold onto your anger overnight. Start the day fresh with a new beginning and new expectations.”

This is good advice because it is hard to sleep when we are angry. Let the sun go down and unwind. Let go of the hurt, the offence, the desire to retaliate, and receive the peace of the Lord instead.

Christians are not to be people who hold on to ofence. We must forgive and release those who sin against us. This means letting the emotions go as well.

If we hold onto anger we give a place for the devil to get in and twist our spirits .

The devil can take our anger and make us permanently quick to fire up, or smouldering with resentment. If we are like this, we are not loving our neighbours with the love of Christ, and we are certainly not loving our enemies .

Anger can lead us into crimes that we would not normally consider possible, so-called crimes of passion. A life might be taken, leaving us to be thrown into jail and a fruitful life for Christ short-circuited.

Anger might lead to depression and an inability to know God’s presence much less to worship and serve Him.

The destructiveness unleashed by anger is the operating method of the devil. God builds up but satan pulls down.

Anger is a reality in our lives. It can be a positive emotion, but it is so easily subverted and twisted by satan.

Key points in these verses:

• Anger belongs to our old nature
• We need to be sure that we do not let righteous anger become a tool that Satan uses
• If we are angry we must take extra care to avoid sin
• We must not let our anger continue into a new day
• Anger can lead us away from God and into the hands of the devil