How can we "be angry, yet do not sin" in daily conflicts? The Call to Righteous Anger “Be angry, yet do not sin. Do not let the sun set upon your anger.” (Ephesians 4:26) • Scripture does not forbid all anger; it commands us to handle anger in a holy way. • The Greek verb for “be angry” is present imperative—allowing the possibility of righteous indignation. When Does Anger Become Sin? • Anger turns sinful when it: – Seeks personal revenge (Romans 12:19). – Lingers and festers into bitterness (Hebrews 12:15). – Explodes in uncontrolled words or actions (Proverbs 29:11). – Harbors contempt or hatred (Matthew 5:22). • James 1:19-20 reminds us: “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteousness that God desires.” Anchoring Anger in God’s Character • God Himself “is angry with the wicked every day” (Psalm 7:11), yet remains perfectly holy. • Jesus displayed righteous anger in the temple (John 2:15-17) and over hardened hearts (Mark 3:5). • Holy anger targets sin and injustice, not personal irritation. Practical Steps to Keep Anger Holy 1. Pause and pray—invite the Spirit to search your motives (Psalm 139:23-24). 2. Check the clock—resolve issues before sundown to prevent satanic footholds (Ephesians 4:27). 3. Speak truthfully but gently (Proverbs 15:1; Ephesians 4:15). 4. Address the problem, not the person’s worth—affirm their value as an image-bearer. 5. Choose constructive action—correct, protect, or restore rather than retaliate. 6. Release vengeance to God (Romans 12:19-21). 7. Forgive promptly (Ephesians 4:32); forgiveness severs anger’s root. Conflict Scenarios and Faithful Responses • Workplace slight: Clarify expectations calmly, aiming for mutual understanding rather than scoring points. • Family disrespect: State boundaries firmly, then model grace; refuse sarcasm or silent treatment. • Social injustice: Channel indignation into prayer, advocacy, and generous service—avoiding slander or violence. Let the Sun Go Down? The Clock Is Ticking • “Do not let the sun set upon your anger” speaks to urgency, not legalism. • Same-day reconciliation: – Confess your share quickly (Matthew 5:23-24). – Initiate conversation, even if emotions still simmer. – If full resolution must wait, commit the matter to God overnight (Psalm 4:4) and re-engage at the earliest opening. Living the Verse Today • View anger as a dashboard light—signal, not steering wheel. • Keep Christ’s cross in sight: His righteous wrath against sin met His perfect mercy toward sinners. • Walk in the Spirit daily (Galatians 5:16-23); His fruit of self-control transforms every conflict into a witness of grace. |
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