“Be angry, and do not sin”: do not let the sun go down on your wrath.

Ephesians 4:26

Recommended Reading

Psalm 4:4

We read that Jesus Christ was without sin (Hebrews 2:18; 4:15). But we also read where He, on occasion, seemed pretty angry. For instance, He cleared the merchants and money-changers out of the temple with a whip, turning over their tables and spoiling their goods (John 2:12-16). He also sorely rebuked the Pharisees for their hypocrisy, calling them lots of derogatory names (Matthew 23). And isn’t anger sin? Apparently not always, since Jesus got angry but didn’t sin in the process.

There are two things to remember about biblical anger. First, its design. Jesus’ anger was righteous indignation at how God was being dishonored by the Pharisees and how the temple was being used. Anger at unrighteousness and injustice is not sinful. Second, the duration of anger. Anger is an emotion that leads to action. But when anger is nurtured into bitterness and resentment, it becomes self-serving and sinful. That is why Paul used the psalmist’s words to remind the Ephesians not to take their anger to bed.

If you are feeling angry, examine the design of your anger and keep its duration short. Otherwise, anger can become a foothold for the devil (Ephesians 4:26-27).

To be angry against sin is a high and holy thing.

Charles H. Spurgeon

Read-Thru-the-Bible

Psalms 56 – 61

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