Ephesians 4:26, 27 Go ahead and be angry. You do well to be angry—but don’t use your anger as fuel for revenge. And don’t stay angry. Don’t go to bed angry. Don’t give the Devil that kind of foothold in your life. (The Message Bible)
True confession- I don’t do anger well. I don’t know many people who do. I tend to want revenge in my anger and tend to stay angry, let it smolder on and on. So, like many people, I often try to deny my anger or internalize it (remember, the classic definition of depression is anger turned inward). Here, Paul tells his readers it is ok to be angry. In fact they are commanded to be angry (I looked up the Greek- it is a present passive imperative- “be angry”). But he adds the “do not sin” part. There is no doubt that Jesus and the prophets were angry at times. I guess this is part of what is called “righteous anger.” I suppose it would be a sign of maturity to be angry at the injustices of the world or the brokenness of sin in general without making it an issue of self-hurt or desire to return pain for pain. I can’t imagine myself getting there but in light of this verse I am open to praying about it. Maybe you should too. Just don’t be mad at me for suggesting it!
Logan Memorial Presbyterian Church 