Being Angry
Tuesday, June 28
Being Angry
“Be angry, and do not sin”: do not let the sun go down on your wrath, nor give place to the devil. Ephesians 4:26,27
The psalmist showed us that anger is not a bad thing (Psalm 69). In fact, the life of Jesus has shown us that being angry, in itself, is not evil. Ephesians 4:25–32 takes this idea a step further. Paul tells us not only that we are permitted to be angry, he also says there are times when we must be angry. However, there is a clause to guide us in that moment.
We are imperfect creatures, and we will get angry, therefore in Ephesians 4:26 it is written, “In your anger do not sin,” which shows that anger in itself is not a sin. Anger is natural. It is a God-given emotion. The problem is that most of us do not handle it well and instead we succumb to desires of the flesh expressing anger in such a way as to hurt others, and this gives the devil a foothold (see Ephesians 4:27). Or, even worse, we can decide not to recognize it at all and to bury it, which is also deadly and dangerous. Emotions that are buried can cause problems in our lives, emotionally, spiritually, and sometimes even physically. Ever heard the saying, ‘hurting people, hurt people’.
“Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord” (Romans 12:19). Anger leads to sin when we give in to the emotion instead of leaning into the Lord. It is therefore much better to follow the advice of the psalmist and to pour out our hearts to God. He is our refuge and will provide the comfort and peace that we need.
Prayer for today: Lord, I am sorry that I have not always recognized the emotions that You have given me, and I have tried to bury them. Please forgive me and help me always to pour out my heart to You, knowing that You are my refuge and the only source of comfort and peace that I need. Amen.