Most of us have a hard time dealing with our anger, and many of us handle it wrongly. The Bible presents to us many ways to handle it so that it won't give us problems, and one way to do it is found in Ephesians 4:26-27, which says,
"Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil."
Not letting the sun go down
Of course we can't stop the sun from going down, but we can choose to deal with our anger before nightfall comes and sleepiness sets in. We are told to do this because this is an important thing to do. Why? It's because unresolved anger becomes dangerous to us as a foothold for the devil.
Anger is an emotion that has many destructive effects when it is not handled properly. Anger can turn into grudges, bitterness, hatred, and even murder when it is not released the right way.
How to not let the sun go down on our anger
Friends, the Bible tells us to forgive. Jesus told us to forgive. God Himself graciously offers us His forgiveness through the atoning sacrifice of Christ. If God Himself forgives, we should, too.
Anger and forgiveness are best explained using a pressure cooker. This device cooks meats effectively using very high pressures. The downside, however, is that these cookers can dangerously explode when not allowed to release heat through a small vent or exhaust. When allowed to cool and release pressure, these cookers can safely be opened, and its contents enjoyed.
In the same way, we become like pressure cookers when angry, possessing a great tendency to explode. Our tempers flare up, and unless we find the best way to release the pressure, we will simply be dangerous. Releasing forgiveness quickly dissipates the damaging effect that anger has on us.
Not giving the devil a foothold
When we choose to quickly forgive, we deny giving the devil a foothold to birth in us even more damaging emotions such as hatred and bitterness. Releasing forgiveness not only helps us be free from these, it also opens up more good opportunities.
- Forgiving others allow us to be forgiven by God for our offences against Him (see Matthew 6:15);
- Forgiving others allows us to release unto the Lord the pain, letting Him heal us (see Exodus 15:26);
- Forgiving others allows us to cool down and see things from the right perspective (see Ephesians 5:1-2);
- Forgiving others means we waive the right to exact revenge in obedience to God (see Romans 12:19); and
- Forgiving others means we are taking the high road to love and justice, and are not giving room for the devil and his schemes (see Ephesians 4:26-27.
Don't let the sun go down on your anger, friends. Forgive quickly and completely.
