Be angry but don’t sin. Ephesians 4

By mmayer

Ephesians 4:25 - 5:2

²⁵Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbour, for we are all members of one body. ²⁶‘In your anger do not sin’: do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, ²⁷and do not give the devil a foothold. ²⁸Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need.

²⁹Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. ³⁰And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. ³¹Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. ³²Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. 5 ¹Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children ²and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

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Every time we get angry, that is an invitation from the Holy Spirit to go deeper, safely held in Christ’s love. We do not want out anger to lead us to hurt others, or bad mouth them. We want to respond in Christ’s love to situations that make us angry, rather than react.

So we check out, is someone, or am I, being harmed here? If so, what do I need to be safe? What boundaries do I need to put in place?

We are so quick to judge others by their actions, rather than their intent. So we ask ourselves, or someone we trust, ‘What aren’t I getting here? What’s my part in this? Is there some attitude in me that needs to change?’

We remember that Jesus holds us, and all our angers and frustrations, as he went to the cross. There is the power of love that guides us, and transforms us, sdo that we are not always thinking about ourselves, but are free to show love and care to those around you.