BE YE ANGRY AND SIN NOT
“Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath” Ephesians 4:26
Comment: As humans with individual differences and from different socio-cultural backgrounds coupled with our human imperfections, we may offend one another unknowingly. When offended, we may get angry, but as enjoined in the scriptures, we should not allow this to make us to sin, as stated in the text under reference.
Even in the church of God, some people may provoke us, offend us, or do things that may bring offense. This should not dampen our spirit in the worship or service of God (Matt 24:12-13). Some may even sow seeds of discord in the church and amongst the brethren. God Almighty hates this attitude and it is in fact, an abomination in His sight (Prov 6:16-19).
Jesus Christ warned as stated in Luke 17:1-5 that although offenses may come in the church, we should not be the cause of such offenses because the consequences are dire and the punishment would be very severe. As stated earlier, because of our individual differences, we may offend one another unintentionally, but when our attention is drawn to such an offense, we should have an open mind and endeavor to resolve such differences with true love.
James the Apostle advised in James 1:19-20 “Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:
For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God”
Read also, Prov 16:32; Rom 12:19; Eph 4:31-32;; 2Cor 2:5-8,11; Luke 17:3-5; 2Thess 3:14-15; 1Pet 1:22.
Prayer: May God Almighty give us the grace and understanding, to be able to manage our anger and not to deliberately cause offense to one another and in the Church, through Jesus Christ our Lord, amen.