“In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry.
The first three chapters of Ephesians remind us of our position in Christ and the many promises and privileges that are ours in Him, while the last three call us to live responsible lives worthy of our calling, to walk as children of the light, and to function in spirit and truth as beloved children of God and fully fledged members of the Body of Christ. Because we are part of a new creation in Christ with a new nature, we are to walk in holiness. Old things have passed away and the inner cleansing of the heart is to be reflected in the outward practice of our daily lives. Spiritual renewal is to be exercised in practical ways; by putting off the old and putting on the new, and the incredible position, promises, and privileges we have in Christ, should be sufficient motivation to live godly lives. The first step toward our practical renewal is truth in the inward parts, which Paul addressed in the previous verse where he instructs believers to put aside all forms of falsehood which include lying, cheating, deceit, and disloyalty, as well as speaking a half-truth or believing a twisted truth. Another lesson in practical living is in this verse, where Paul contrasts sinful rage or bad temper with genuine, righteous anger: “In your anger do not sin,” is Paul’s simple guideline: “Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry.” There is a vast difference between legitimate, godly anger over sin and evil where a believer controls his anger rather than being controlled by it, and the explosive anger of indignant rage or smouldering anger due to some personal altercation, a bitter heart, or the desire to ‘get even’. Righteous anger grieves over sin and evil, while fleshly anger allows the devil to take a foothold in our life. Jesus gave an example of righteous anger in Matthew 21, where he turned over the table of the money-changers and those who were selling oxen, sheep, and doves in the Temple court. He was also angry and grieved at the hardness of men’s hearts in Mark 3, when He healed the man with a withered hand on a Sabbath day. Anger is not always a sin and not all anger is wrong, and there are times when Christians should express righteous anger in a way that honors the Lord. But when any sort of anger is not addressed biblically, the enemy can turn righteous anger into a sin or escalate fleshly anger into a greater offense, which is why Paul continues with the directive: “Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry.” We are to address all anger issues, quickly. May we learn to recognize the difference between true righteous anger and ungodly fleshly anger that causes us to sin. May we ‘keep short accounts’ when dealing with anger and be ready to address issues immediately so that we honor the Lord in thought, word, deed, motive, and emotions.
Spiritual Steve 