Isaiah - Verse By Verse | Walking through Ephesians

Walking through Ephesians - Day 92

versebyverse | February 15, 2008 21:24

Thought: To me, anger that runs uncontrolled is a real problem in our society today.

Question: Do I understand when anger becomes sin?

Scripture: Ephesians 4:26 (NIV): "'In your anger do not sin': Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry,"

This first half is a quote of Psalm 4:4: "In your anger do not sin; when you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent." The second half seems to be a paraphrase of the verse in Psalms, a rewording of Paul's. To me this implies that a sin will occur when you hang onto anger too long. Anger doesn't seem to be sinful of itself. Only when it is taken in, absorbed and allowed to fester, does it become "sin."

Anger is usually involving another person. If we do not resolve things with that other person, we have sinned. Why? Because the unity of the body has been damaged if they are of the body, and the influence of our testimony has been damaged if they are not of the body of Christ.

Prayer: Father, help me to prevent my anger from hurting myself or others--help me to turn it over to You quickly. Amen.