Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger. (Ephesians 4:26 ESV)
Anger
Anger is apparently a legitimate Christian reaction, or Paul would not begin this sentence with that phrase, “be angry.” God Himself has been angry. Angry enough to kill His own Son!
Anger at personal Sin is legitimate. Anger at national Sin is legitimate. Anger at the effects of Sin is legitimate. Anger at injustice is legitimate. Anger at rebellion against God is legitimate.
But some angers are not legitimate. Anger because of hurt feelings is not legitimate. Anger because of the failure of selfish dreams is not legitimate. Anger because of the loss of something I think of as mine is not legitimate.
But more than that, we get to be careful about how we express our anger.
Things that are unloving in everyday circumstances do not become righteous just because we are angry.
Let’s repeat that. Things that are unloving in everyday circumstances do not become righteous just because we are angry.
THIS is how we get to always react to circumstances, words, actions, and situations: With Love.
And also with forgiveness. If we are still angry in the morning, we have not forgiven. And our anger becomes revealed simply for what it is: OUR sin.
The answer to anger is forgiveness.
Which was also GOD’S answer to His Anger, wasn’t it?