Read Ephesians 4:25-27 in your personal Bible or at the link provided.
Discover
1. What themes do you see in today’s verses?
2. What choices are laid out for you, and what are their consequences?
3. What timeframe do you see, and in reference to what?
Respond
When it comes to forgiveness, our response is critical. It might surprise you to see anger mentioned in today’s verses because we often assume that responding with anger is off limits. Anger isn't always a sin in itself, but what we do with it and where we direct it can very quickly turn into sin.
As Tim Keller says, biblical anger is “energy aroused in defense of something good and released against something evil.” Jesus got angry, but His anger never turned into bitterness. The longer we let an offense simmer inside us, the more likely infection will spread. This makes it crucial to attend to our wounds as soon as possible, taking initiative to go to the person who has hurt us and seeking to forgive.
Have you let anger simmer inside you to a point that’s unhealthy? Is it actively affecting a relationship or your own heart today? Release it to God, and ask for His help to address your wounds. Thank Him for the example of Jesus, and commit to responding to wounds in a way that fosters health and growth.
Want to go deeper? Read this article for five reasons to not let the “sun go down on your anger.”
*TPCC does not necessarily endorse all “Want to go deeper” sources. They are simply meant to be a helpful tool.