Before the Sun Goes Down – Ephesian 4:26

26“In your anger do not sin” d Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 and do not give the devil a foothold. Ephesian 4: 25-27 (NIV)

In some versions of the bible, Ephesians 4:17-31 is subtitled, living as Children of Light, in others, a New Life in Christ. As Christians, we are called upon to put away bitterness, malice, and unforgiveness and not dwell on anger or let it sit unresolved. Uncontrolled anger can lead to revenge and sin.

25 So stop telling lies. Let us tell our neighbors the truth, for we are all parts of the same body. 26 And “don’t sin by letting anger control you.”d Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 for anger gives a foothold to the devil. – Ephesian 4: 25-27 (NLT)

We are to act more Chirst-like and not let anger control us. Anger is not an excuse to sin; it should be dealt with quickly in God-honored ways. We should be merciful and forgive others.

Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. – Ephesians 4:32 (NIV)

The Holy Spirits work within us, turning us away from our sinful actions and helping us develop the fruit of self-control.

Paul says don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry. In other words, deal with anger; make that a priority, and don’t go to bed angry, for anger gives a foothold to the devil.

Go ahead and be angry. You do well to be angry—but don’t use your anger as fuel for revenge. And don’t stay angry. Don’t go to bed angry. Don’t give the Devil that kind of foothold in your life. – Ephesians 4:26-27 (MSG)

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Prayer: Our Heavenly Father, help us to be kind, tenderhearted, and forgiving. Teach us to forgive others as you have forgiven us. Guide us in Your truth, Your light, and Your love. Teach us to deal with anger quickly before the sun goes down. Like the lovely smell of lavender fills the air, let us be filled with love and forgiveness and fill the air with praise. In Jesus’ holy name. Amen

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