Free Bible Commentary
“Ephesians 4:25-27”
Categories: Ephesians“Therefore, laying aside falsehood, speak truth each one of you with his neighbor, for we are members of one another. Be angry, and yet do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and do not give the devil an opportunity.”
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Part of flinging off the old self like a dirty, nasty, smelly shirt, and putting on the new self is “laying aside falsehood” and speaking the truth (verse 25). Jesus said that Satan “is a liar and the father of lies” (John 8:44). If we follow in the steps of the adversary of all humanity, we will have our part “in the lake that burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death," that is reserved “for the cowardly and unbelieving and abominable and murderers and immoral persons and sorcerers and idolaters and all liars” (Revelation 21:8). “Truth is in Jesus” (verse 21), so we can’t be in Him or have any part with Him if we are not of the truth.
“Be angry, and yet do not sin” (verse 26). Anger is a legitimate emotion that God has given to us, but many, many people have problems controlling their anger. It is only natural and understandable when someone does us wrong that we become upset about that. But if we do not learn to practice self-control and take hold of our anger, it will overpower us and we will do and say sinful things that harm other people, and sabotage our relationships, and destroy our souls.
That’s why it is so important to “not let the sun go down on your anger.” If we harbor anger in our hearts it will cause us to seethe with bitterness and resentment, and we neither want to wake a new day with our mind set on animosity, nor face the Lord in judgment with a heart filled of hatred. In this verse Paul cites Psalm 4:4 which also says, “meditate in your heart upon your bed, and be still.” If you go to bed angry, try not to fall asleep until you have given your anger to the Lord and resolved the issue in your heart. “This you know, my beloved brethren. But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger; for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God” (James 1:19-20).
“Do not give the devil an opportunity” (verse 27). Please understand that when we harbor anger and resentment that we are only playing right into the devil’s hand! Getting mad is not sinful, but it sure does provide for perfect and ample “opportunity” for many sins to be committed! Friends, if we do not learn to control our anger, it will control us and destroy us!!! “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires” (Galatians 5:22-24).
Please read Ephesians 4:28 for tomorrow.
Have a blessed day!
- Louie Taylor
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