Be Angry But Do Not Sin

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Sunday - 9:15 AM Sunday School, 10:30 AM Worship Service

by: Denise Robinson

07/07/2021

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"Be angry but do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and do not make room for the devil." (Ephesians 4:26-27).


Can we be angry and not sin? This verse, written by the Apostle Paul, mirrors closely Ps. 4:4: "When you are angry do not sin; ponder it on your beds, and be silent." These verses presuppose that we will get angry, but that the key is not to sin.

We know, from the Bible, that God and Jesus displayed anger. Think of Jesus when he entered the Temple and found moneychangers and sellers of goods taking advantage of those coming to worship. There is a kind of anger that is "righteous." Righteous anger is being angry at what makes God angry; it is an anger that is directed at evil - the evil that poisons, destroys, and perverts God's justice, grace, and goodness.

The problem is that our anger too often comes out of how we feel rather than from God. Our anger produces negative side effects such as quarreling, jealousy, hostility, and pride. We start out a little angry .. then we get really mad .. then our words turn hateful and hurting .. and in the process we convince ourselves our anger is justified and our way is the only way. Now our anger is sin.
That’s why we are told to let anger go and to think before we speak. In Scripture, God is repeatedly described as “merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.” That should be our model. Be slow to anger. Think before you speak. Be merciful and gracious to others. Consider that the other person may have a perspective that is genuine, even if you disagree. And, even if anger is appropriate (righteous), act in love. Speak out against injustice without personal attacks and watch out for that greatest of sins, pride,
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"Be angry but do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and do not make room for the devil." (Ephesians 4:26-27).


Can we be angry and not sin? This verse, written by the Apostle Paul, mirrors closely Ps. 4:4: "When you are angry do not sin; ponder it on your beds, and be silent." These verses presuppose that we will get angry, but that the key is not to sin.

We know, from the Bible, that God and Jesus displayed anger. Think of Jesus when he entered the Temple and found moneychangers and sellers of goods taking advantage of those coming to worship. There is a kind of anger that is "righteous." Righteous anger is being angry at what makes God angry; it is an anger that is directed at evil - the evil that poisons, destroys, and perverts God's justice, grace, and goodness.

The problem is that our anger too often comes out of how we feel rather than from God. Our anger produces negative side effects such as quarreling, jealousy, hostility, and pride. We start out a little angry .. then we get really mad .. then our words turn hateful and hurting .. and in the process we convince ourselves our anger is justified and our way is the only way. Now our anger is sin.
That’s why we are told to let anger go and to think before we speak. In Scripture, God is repeatedly described as “merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.” That should be our model. Be slow to anger. Think before you speak. Be merciful and gracious to others. Consider that the other person may have a perspective that is genuine, even if you disagree. And, even if anger is appropriate (righteous), act in love. Speak out against injustice without personal attacks and watch out for that greatest of sins, pride,
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