Real talk: Christians get angry. Human beings are both spiritual and emotional. We sometimes have to deal with anger, frustration, and loneliness. How should we deal with these emotions?
25 Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbour, for we are members one of another. 26 Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, 27 and give no opportunity to the devil. (Ephesians 4:25-26)
The Scripture says ‘be angry’ and not ‘never be angry’. There is a common misunderstanding that anger is a negative emotion which is to be avoided, but on the contrary, anger is part of human nature.
It’s important to draw a distinction between getting angry and shouting at people or being violent. Doing those things would be sinful, giving an opportunity to the devil to cause discord.
If you’re angry with someone, let them know in a gentle way and then allow time for the natural equilibrium of your emotions to be restored. And by all means, speak to God about why you are angry. He is patient and kind and understands, and that’s how we should be when people are angry with us.
Not letting the sun go down on your anger means you should try to remedy any misunderstandings by talking them through. I recommend having some quiet time with God as well, seeking His comfort and asking Him for patience, love, and self-control.
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. (Galatians 5:22-23)
Remember that Jesus expressed anger over injustice:
12 And Jesus entered the temple and drove out all who sold and bought in the temple, and he overturned the tables of the money-changers and the seats of those who sold pigeons. 13 He said to them, “It is written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer,’ but you make it a den of robbers.” (Matthew 21:12-13)
Jesus understands.
Be angry and do not sin.
God bless
Steven
Perfect Chaos 