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.  

- Ephesians 4:26-27

What importance this verse holds! While anger is a natural emotion, letting it fester inside us gives the devil a chance to enter our lives.

When we feel angry, we don’t need to bottle it up, but instead take it to the Lord’s feet.

In His presence, He will help us decipher whether the anger we are feeling is just or not. If it is, He will guide you on what to do next.

However, many times anger arises from misunderstandings and deception.

Misguided anger leads to offense, and offense leads to strife and division.

This is why it is never wise to be driven by emotion, but remain composed and rely on the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Have you ever lashed out at someone and regretted it later?

Feeling anger itself isn’t sinful, but we need to be careful how we express it. If done rashly, we end up hurting the Lord and other people.

Since God understands us perfectly, He is faithful to forgive and help us get back on track.

The next time you feel anger rise up in you, pause and take it to the Lord. Remember that He came to make you free from the bondages of the world.

Yielding to the Holy Spirit and dealing with emotions responsibly allows you to live with abundant joy and peace!  

With Love,
Sarah Sherstad

Paul’s words challenge us to pause and reflect: where is anger lingering in our hearts, and what is it opening the door to? Instead of suppressing or exploding, Scripture invites us to process it honestly before God.

Take a few quiet moments to sit with these questions and let the Holy Spirit gently reveal what needs attention.

• What situations have recently stirred anger in me?

• How did I respond in those moments?

• Is there any unresolved anger I’ve been holding onto?

• What might God be inviting me to release or address today?

• How can I respond differently next time in a way that reflects Christ?

Frequently Asked Questions

Is anger always a sin according to Ephesians 4:26?
No, the verse acknowledges that anger itself is not always sinful. However, it becomes sin when it leads to harmful actions, bitterness, or unresolved conflict.

What does “do not let the sun go down on your anger” mean?
It encourages us to deal with anger promptly rather than letting it linger and grow into resentment.

How does anger give the enemy a foothold?
Unresolved anger can lead to bitterness, division, and poor decisions, creating opportunities for spiritual harm.

How can I process anger in a healthy, biblical way?
Bring it honestly to God in prayer, seek understanding, pursue reconciliation when possible, and choose forgiveness.

What are practical steps to release anger?
Pause before reacting, pray, write out your feelings, talk with a trusted person, and ask God to reshape your perspective.

Prayer
Lord, You see every emotion in my heart, even the ones I struggle to control. Teach me how to handle anger in a way that honors You. Help me not to hold onto it or let it grow into something harmful. Give me the humility to seek peace, the wisdom to respond with grace, and the strength to release what I cannot control. Guard my heart from bitterness and lead me in Your truth. Amen.

We would love to hear from you about our new extended devotionals! Leave us feedback in the comments. Thanks, Kara