Be angry yet do not sin; do not let your anger last until the sun goes down.
- Ephesians 4:26
God made us to have a range of emotion, including anger.
If you grew up around a person who was out of order with their anger you may believe all anger is out of control. Anger is an important signal inside of you that someone is unsafe or that your limits have been crossed. This emotion serves as an important red flag we need!
Scripture does not say don’t get angry...it says when you are angry do not sin. What would that look like?
• Don’t hang on to anger, feel it, share it & release it quickly
• Don’t nurse your anger by reliving the experience mentally or in conversation
• Remember people get mad at you too!!
Today
Father, I will not deny my design. I will not call good things evil or evil things good. I choose to submit anger to you, not to deny it or control others with it.
And do not give the devil an opportunity [to lead you into sin by holding a grudge, or nurturing anger]. - Ephesians 4:27
With Love,
Paper Sunday
Anger can rise quickly—often before we have time to think. This verse doesn’t tell us to ignore it, but to handle it carefully.
Left unchecked, anger can settle in and shape our thoughts, words, and actions. But when we bring it to God, it can become an opportunity for growth instead of regret.
Take a moment to pause and reflect on how you’ve been processing your emotions lately.
Journal & Reflect
Write honestly about what you’re feeling—and invite God into those emotions without filtering them.
- What situations have recently stirred up anger in you?
- How do you typically respond when you feel upset or frustrated?
- Is there any unresolved anger you’ve been holding onto?
- What would it look like to process anger in a healthy, God-honoring way?
Frequently Asked Questions
Is anger a sin according to Ephesians 4:26?
No, anger itself isn’t a sin. The verse acknowledges it as a natural emotion but warns against letting it lead to harmful actions or lingering resentment.
What does “do not let the sun go down on your anger” mean?
It encourages addressing anger promptly rather than letting it build into bitterness or unforgiveness.
How can I deal with anger in a healthy way?
By acknowledging it, bringing it to God, seeking understanding, and choosing responses rooted in patience and grace.
Why is unresolved anger dangerous?
It can harden your heart, damage relationships, and affect your spiritual well-being if left unchecked.
Prayer
Lord, You see every emotion in my heart, even the ones I don’t fully understand. When anger rises, help me to pause before I react. Give me wisdom to respond with grace and not let frustration take root in me. Teach me to release what I’m holding onto and to choose peace, even when it’s difficult. Amen.
Message from Kara Heckel, founder of Paper Sunday
This verse always feels very real to me, because anger isn’t something we can avoid—it just shows up. But what we do next matters so much. I’ve had moments where I let things sit too long, replaying them instead of releasing them. And it never leads anywhere good. This reminder to deal with it quickly, honestly, and with God’s help is something I come back to often. If something has been sitting heavy on your heart, maybe today is the day to finally let it go—even if it’s just the first step.
Applying this to your Daily Routine
Take time to reflect, pray, and process what God is teaching you through every season. Our Personalized Prayer Journal was designed to help you grow deeper in faith—one day at a time–turning intention into habit. Many people use journals to revisit verses like these and reflect throughout the week.














1 comment
Barb
Bullet point #2 was like a splash of cold water to my face. I always thought I was working through previous wrongs that made me angry when I talked to others about them, but now I see I have been nursing my anger. I needed this wake up call/conviction to change. I am praying God will remind me of this and help me change. Thank you.
Bullet point #2 was like a splash of cold water to my face. I always thought I was working through previous wrongs that made me angry when I talked to others about them, but now I see I have been nursing my anger. I needed this wake up call/conviction to change. I am praying God will remind me of this and help me change. Thank you.