Ephesians 4:26-27

"When angry, do not sin; do not ever let your wrath (your exasperation, your fury or indignation) last until the sun goes down." Ephesians 4:26

The most interesting thing about this verse is that most people believe it is a sin to be angry... yet we know God gets angry. Jesus, who, for one thing, was sent as an example of God's LOVE, displayed anger, yet we know He was sinless. No, here we see the text says, "when angry", do not sin. Now, there is a warning hidden here about anger and it's that, whenever we are angry, it's quite easy "to" sin. But Paul says, the sin is actually in letting your wrath (your exasperation, your fury or indignation) last until the sun goes down. There are other sins that can come from being angry described elsewhere in the bible, but here, Paul leads us to this thought of holding on to it. I mean honestly, how long does it take us to consider that:

a. God, Himself, did or has "allowed", whatever it is that's angered us, for a purpose.

b. That "purpose" (His reason... His plan and will for allowing it) is suppose to be sought after by the Christian. That's suppose to be the first thing we are to do when things happen... "Lord, what is your purpose for me in this?" "Am I suppose to stand up for some cause... Pray for this crazy person... start a third world war... why have you allowed this to get to me this way. Finally, "Lord, is this about something "I" need to see, learn, or grow from".

The focus in this verse seems to be on the length of our anger... how long it takes us to resolve the matter, "knowing" that we should know that He is right here with us to help understand it. Understanding what has angered us is half the battle won. Responding without understanding always gets us into sin, and not resolving it soon leaves room for the devil. (I never capitalize that name on purpose) Let's move right into the next verse.

27. "Leave no [such] room or foothold for the devil [give no opportunity to him]"

And there it is... the reason why not to go to sleep holding on to anger! It's not even about the sun going down, either... Paul's just talking about carrying this anger thing on and on. God's not the one with a stop-watch counting... No, the devil is right there, all the time... waiting for such moments as this. The longer we stay angered the deeper into sin we fall. The context is not about worrying what the devil will do when you are angry, but on all the power and work Christ is anxious to do as we are lead by The Holy Spirit, you see!

Let's pick up with Ephesians verse 4:28 next time.

I love you.