Ephesians 4:26 “Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:”
The Bible has a lot to say about anger. Generally, it is not good.
The Bible does not forbid anger, but it does say that there is a time and a place for it. The text verse for today allows anger, but it also gives two conditions for it:
- Do not sin when you are angry
- Do not maintain your anger after sunset.
When we get angry, we are often one step away from sinning. If we are quick to be angry, as many people are today, we need to heed Ec. 7:9, which says: “Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry: for anger resteth in the bosom of fools.”
The fruit of the Spirit is longsuffering and peace. Anger usually demonstrates a lack of both. Although the Bible often tells us that the Lord is angry at certain sins, His anger is always righteous. It is never because He is out of control – as we may be when we get angry.
The Bible also warns us in Pr. 14:17: “He that is soon angry dealeth foolishly: and a man of wicked devices is hated.” Being quick to get angry often demonstrates a lack of Spirit control. It can quickly lead to sins of the mouth, and more, which can destroy your testimony in seconds.
We are also told to get rid of anger by sundown. Forgive that person in your heart quickly lest it lead to bitterness and ongoing anger. We must do this because the thoughts we have before we go to bed are often the first thoughts we have in the morning – which would allow the anger to perpetuate.
Thank God that His Holy Spirit can control our anger. Confess uncontrolled anger to God as sin and ask Him to help you control it by His Spirit. Remember that there are often only a couple of seconds between a situation that is apt to make you angry and asking God for help.