Ephesians 4:25-32 – How to Stop the Sun
By Pastor Paul Georgulis
“25 Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body. 26 “In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 and do not give the devil a foothold. 28 Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need. 29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” – Ephesians 4:25-32 (New International Version)
In light of the transformation the Apostle Paul discussed in Ephesians 4:22-24 – which I referred to as a spiritual superset here – we are to change what we think, say, and do. In today’s passage, Paul contrasts the old way of living with the new way of living by listing seventeen changes. One of these changes states, “In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry…” One time, when preaching on this passage, I told the following story I found online.
The story is told about a little boy who got into a fight with his older brother one morning. Somewhat outmatched, he took quite a beating. It was his pride, however, that suffered the most. The whole experience left him feeling bitter. In fact, he refused to talk to his brother all day. Bedtime came, and their mother, very much wanting to see the two make up, said to the younger, “Don’t you think you should forgive your brother before you go to sleep? Remember, the Bible says, ‘Do not let the sun go down on your anger.’” The youngster looked perplexed. He thought for a few moments and then blurted out, “But, Mommy, how can I keep the sun from going down?” The boy’s question revealed that he had no intention of getting rid of his grudge and changing.
Sadly, this is how it is for us as well. Due to change being uncomfortable, we are often unwilling to let go of our old ways and embrace the new. God is constantly reminding us of how we are to be transformed in His Word, but sometimes we are too “busy” to read and study it.
Are you too busy to spend time with God?
Prayer:
Father, help us to accept change, no matter how difficult it is. Help us also to know that no matter the reason for change – whether it is something you are orchestrating, or it is something that simply happens – help us to know that you are walking with us through the change, often carrying us through. But no matter, what, Lord, please allow the change to bring us closer to you.
In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen!
