The Narrow Way

In Ephesians 4:26, the apostle Paul offers wisdom and guidance on how to handle our anger in a way that honors God.

The book of Ephesians was written by the apostle Paul to the believers in Ephesus and surrounding regions. In the preceding verses, Paul encourages the believers to put off their old selves and put on the new self created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

In this transformative process, Paul addresses specific areas of life, including anger and its proper management.

Ephesians 4:26 states: “In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry.” This verse reveals two significant aspects of dealing with anger:

Controlling our response:

Paul acknowledges that anger is a natural emotion experienced by humans. However, he admonishes believers not to sin in their anger. While anger itself is not sinful, it becomes dangerous when it leads us to act in ways that are contrary to God’s character, such as harboring bitterness, seeking revenge, or engaging in hurtful speech. Therefore, the goal is not to suppress or deny anger but to respond to it in a godly manner.

Resolving our conflicts promptly:

Paul advises believers not to let the sun go down while they are still angry. This implies that we should address and resolve our anger and conflicts as soon as possible.

Lingering anger can lead to resentment, division, and a fertile ground for the enemy to sow seeds of discord. It’s important to seek reconciliation, forgiveness, and restoration in a timely manner.

Now that we better understand the meaning of Ephesians 4:26, let’s talk about how we can apply it to our lives.

Seek self-reflection: When anger arises within us, we should take a moment to reflect on its root cause. Is it a result of wounded pride, unmet expectations, or a legitimate injustice? Honest self-reflection allows us to understand our triggers and respond more appropriately.

Practice self-control: In the midst of anger, we must rely on the Holy Spirit to enable us to exercise self-control. This means refraining from impulsive reactions, hurtful words, or violent behavior. Pause, breathe, and invite the Holy Spirit to guide our response.

Communicate with grace: Instead of lashing out in anger, we should choose to engage in open and respectful communication. Expressing our concerns, frustrations, and feelings promotes understanding and resolution.

Seek reconciliation promptly: Time is of the essence when it comes to resolving conflicts. Don’t let anger fester and grow. Make a genuine effort to address issues, seek forgiveness, and offer forgiveness to others. Let’s actively pursue reconciliation and restoration in our relationships.

Surrender to God’s healing: In cases where anger is rooted in deep wounds or past hurts, we need to seek healing through prayer, counseling, and God’s Word. Surrendering our pain to the Lord brings healing and restoration.

As believers, we are called to a higher standard in managing our anger. Ephesians 4:26 reminds us that anger is not inherently sinful, but how we respond to it determines its outcome.