The Divine in Our Design:
Feelings of Anger – Part 1

Scripture Reading:  Ephesians 4:25-32

Key Verse: Ephesians 4:26

“In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry

When we tackle the subject of dealing with feelings, we cannot avoid the subject of anger.  In our printed key verse for today, the Apostle Paul is quoting a verse found in Psalm 4:4  – “In your anger do not sin; when you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent.”  This verse can be misinterpreted easily.  Let’s take a close look at the feelings of anger.

            First, we must realize that anger is named as a vice in Ephesians and Colossians.  Jesus taught that “anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment” (Matthew 5:22).  The Apostle James wrote that “man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires” (James 1:20).  So, with all these collaborating verses, we certainly should conclude that the Apostle Paul is not promoting the feelings of anger as a good emotion.

            Secondly, we see that the apostle separates anger from sin and does conclude they are two sides of the same coin.  In other words, I believe it is possible to feel angry emotions without sinning.  We must do our best to rid ourselves of anger, as we grow in God’s grace.  Five verses after our key verse, Paul reminds us to do that.

            The first goal for every new believer is to control the expressions of anger, so sinful behavior does not result from the feelings of anger.  The more we control our anger expressions, the more we’ll reduce the feelings as well.

Father, I don’t want my anger to bring any shame on your name!  Remind me to depend on your grace to control my expressions of anger.  I ask this in Jesus’ Name, Amen.