You can be angry
““Be angry, and do not sin”: do not let the sun go down on your wrath, nor give place to the devil.” Ephesians 4:26-27
Have you ever considered this? That you can be angry and not sin? How about you can be angry and give a place or open up a spot in your life for the devil to occupy? I know none of us want to do that. To be angry and sin not is to have feelings of anger or any negative feeling for that matter, but consider first the right way to respond instead of an initial reaction. This falls in line with the fruit of the Spirit of self-control. Instead of letting your circumstances or other people’s words control your actions, stop and take a minute to “look inside” for the best way to respond in the situation.
Today’s scripture, of course, is speaking about our relationships with others. It actually says in this passage, that holding on to a hurt or angry feeling overnight into the next day or longer can set aside a place in your heart for the devil to dwell. Let me give you an example. If you are holding on to feelings of anger, resentment, or bitterness, and not forgiving or not talking with that person to restore that relationship, then your silence is allowing the enemy of your soul to have a voice in your life. The voice in your head/heart is telling you that you have a right to be angry and that you had a wrong done to you. That voice is feeding your anger, bitterness, and resentment. It is not the voice of God’s Spirit. God’s Spirit says to be humble, to not let corrupt or dishonorable words come out of your mouth, and be kind to others, be tender and forgive others. Nowhere in the passage does it say to do this only when others deserve it. We are to forgive and love because of who we are not because someone deserves it. You cannot forgive someone who hasn’t done a wrong.
Lastly, the passage tells us that this is the way God loves us. Because of who He is, He forgave and cleansed us from all unrighteousness in Christ Jesus. It was never because we deserved it or had a right to it. It is only because of who God is and He expects us to do the same with all others.
Today I want to encourage you when you do get angry to not sin. Don’t hold on to bitter and resenting feelings. Put the light of God’s Word on those feelings, discuss them with God, and ask Him for the strength and faith to do the right thing. Then remember to be kind, love and forgive others. Don’t rent any space in your heart to the devil. He will only seek to occupy the entire place.
Today’s scripture reading: Ephesians 4:20-27
The Daily Dose 