A Healthy Relationship with Anger

“Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger.” - Ephesians 4:26 
  
Anger can be a powerful emotion, and for some, it’s something they wrestle with daily. You might find yourself struggling with irritability, frequent outbursts, and a sense of frustration that boils over in ways you regret later. It’s easy to feel consumed by anger, as if it’s something you can’t control. But anger, in and of itself, is not sinful. What matters is how we handle it.

In Scripture, we see examples of God and Jesus expressing anger, yet in a way that was righteous and purposeful. God’s anger was aroused by the sin of His people, and Jesus displayed anger when He witnessed injustice, like in the temple when He overturned the tables of the money changers. Their anger was not a reaction of uncontrolled rage, but a righteous response to sin, injustice, and evil. It was a tool used to bring about change, not destruction.
 
So, why does Paul tell us to "be angry" in Ephesians 4:26? This isn’t an invitation to let anger rule us, but rather, it’s a call to acknowledge that anger is a natural, God-given emotion. It’s meant to alert us to situations that need addressing, whether it's the mistreatment of others, injustice, or personal boundaries being crossed. Anger can serve as a motivator to speak out, to advocate, and to stand up for what is right. But, like any emotion, it requires discipline and control to prevent it from leading us into sin.

We are encouraged to "be angry and do not sin." This means that while anger is normal, we must not let it control us or drive us into destructive actions. We must learn to manage it in a way that aligns with God’s will. Holding on to anger, letting it fester, or acting on it impulsively can cause damage to relationships and our own peace of mind. That’s why Paul also advises us not to let the sun go down on our anger and to deal with it quickly before it becomes a foothold for bitterness and resentment.
 
Anger, when handled well, can lead to positive change. It can fuel righteous action, advocate for justice, and empower us to stand firm in our faith. So, if you’re angry today; whether it’s about personal struggles, societal issues, or injustice in the world, recognize it as a God-given emotion that can propel you toward action. But make sure to approach it with wisdom, and always remember to manage your anger and don’t let it manage you.