Don’t Let the Sun Go Down On Your Wrath

Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath Ephesians 4:26

Many take this verse to think that it’s okay to be angry, mad and begrudging of others ALL day…just as long as you take care of it by night time. I realize that even some bible translations imply this. Yet, this is a misconception that not only can be tremendously faith hindering, but also goes against the unity 

of scripture including verses like Romans 8:6:

 For to be carnally (fleshly) minded is death; but to be spiritually (word) minded is life and peace

Any length of time allowing ourselves to harbor anger or resentment towards others not only closes our heart to receive from God, but also opens doors to satanic involvement in our lives. Plus, if that were so, then where would be our “Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ (2 Cor. 10:5).

This anger that is not sin could be called righteous anger. It is passionate and vehement but what’s most important is that it is driven by love for God and it is directed at evil, not people. So, keeping this context, “not letting the sun go down upon your wrath” deals with keeping the same passionate, fervent, righteous anger against sin. Complacency is the target issue here. “Putting off former corrupt behavior” (v. 22) would take an unrelenting passion for Godliness. Being “renewed in the spirit of our mind” (v. 23) would take persistence in the word. To be effective in this world we cannot allow this type of Godly wrath/ anger against the kingdom of darkness to go to sleep (thus letting the “sun go down”). Stay stirred-up. Stay involved. Stay in faith. Change will follow.  

*note - With this in context, look at how verse 26 now flows into verse 27. Beautiful. 

Gracious Father I am so thankful for Your love, compassion and the patient way that you teach and direct me by Your Spirit. I realize that the reason that certain things about this world’s system really bother me is because in my purpose I have been called to come against them. Yet, I know that I can’t deal with the world until I deal with myself in how I think and how I act. So, I receive your grace that continually teaches me to refuse a self-indulgent lifestyle, and empowers me to take on a God-filled, God-honoring one. I am made bold through you and will uncompromisingly stand where you lead and speak what you put in my heart. I yield myself to Your word and Your Spirit to stay stirred-up for Your glory and for Kingdom advancement that Your peace and power would be felt in every area and arena of this world. In the name of Yahshua (Jesus) I pray.

I am on fire for the Most High and His Spirit burns within me. I refuse to yield my body over to do things that I have already been delivered from in Christ. So, Body, settle down and conform to the image of the Son in every thought, word and deed. I am full of the love of God for all men but I won’t stand for foolishness. I am red-hot mad against injustice wherever I find it, whether it be in my family, job, community, church, government or elsewhere. I speak truth in love and refuse to allow my passion to be pacified. Whatever I do is empowered to prosper. satan, you are a defeated foe and it shall be seen wherever your kingdom tries to manifest.

Matthew 11:12; Romans 8:29; Titus 2:12