What do you usually do when something genuinely upsets you?
You can get angry, just don't sin.
Ephesians 4:26–27
All anger is not wrong. Paul writes, "Be ye angry, and sin not." He doesn't tell believers never to feel anger. Instead, he warns them about what anger can become if it's left unchecked.
There are things that should trouble God's people. The Lord is angry with sin. The Lord Jesus showed righteous anger when He cleansed the temple. We should not be comfortable with things that dishonor God, hurt others, or go against His Word.
The danger is not anger itself but what we choose to do with it.
Notice the responsibility Paul places on believers: "let not the sun go down upon your wrath." In other words, don't carry anger from day to day. Deal with it. Pray about it. Talk through it when needed. Seek forgiveness when necessary. Refuse to let it settle into your heart.
Most of us know how easily anger can grow. A sharp word becomes resentment. A disappointment becomes bitterness. A disagreement between brethren becomes a long-term division. What began as a real concern slowly turns into something sinful.
That is why Paul adds, "Neither give place to the devil." Unresolved anger creates an opportunity for further sin. It can lead us to say things we shouldn't say, think things we shouldn't think, or treat people in ways that don't honor the Lord.
As Paul continues describing practical Christian living, he reminds believers that following Christ affects even our strongest emotions. Anger may come, but we mustn't let it control us. By God's grace, we can respond in ways that please Him rather than ways that feed sin.
