CWW Week 41 - Anger - Day 4

Devotional: Don’t Let the Sun Go Down

Verse:
Ephesians 4:26–27 (NIV) –
“In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.”

Devotional Thought

Anger is one of those emotions that sneaks up on us. A conversation goes sideways, someone disappoints us, or something unfair happens—and suddenly we’re boiling inside. Our heart races, our thoughts spiral, and if we’re not careful, words or actions can fly out that we can’t take back.

Ephesians 4:26–27 is a powerful reminder that anger itself isn’t necessarily sinful—but it’s dangerous. Paul says, “In your anger do not sin.” That’s an important distinction. Feeling angry is part of being human, but acting out of that anger in ways that hurt others, damage relationships, or dishonour God—that’s where sin can creep in.

Paul doesn’t stop there. He goes on to say, “Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.” That’s strong language. He’s warning us: unresolved anger is a doorway. When we let it linger, it becomes more than a feeling—it becomes a foothold for bitterness, division, and spiritual attack.

It’s tempting to hold onto anger, isn’t it? Especially when we feel justified. “They hurt me.” “They were wrong.” “They haven’t apologised.” But even righteous anger, if it’s left unchecked, can turn into something toxic. Resentment builds. Hearts harden. And slowly, we give the enemy space to work in our lives—right in the middle of our relationships.

That’s why God calls us to deal with anger quickly—not by suppressing it, but by processing it through His grace. That might mean having a hard conversation, offering forgiveness even when it’s not asked for, or praying through the emotions until peace returns.

Notice too that this verse is about timing. “Do not let the sun go down…” There’s something deeply wise and practical about this. It’s not about legalism (as in, every conflict must be resolved before sunset) but about urgency. Don’t let anger drag into tomorrow. Don’t sleep on bitterness. Don’t let it fester.

Anger that’s left overnight tends to grow roots. And those roots produce things like sarcasm, passive-aggression, cold shoulders, and long silences. They break down intimacy—in marriage, in families, in churches.

God’s way is better. He invites us to deal with our emotions in real time, with honesty and humility. Not to pretend we’re not angry, but to bring our anger under His authority. He’s big enough to handle our frustrations—and kind enough to help us release them.

So, if you’re carrying anger today, don’t let it linger. Take it to God. Talk it through. Forgive where needed. Apologise if you must. But don’t give the enemy any more space than he already has.

Let grace have the last word—not anger.

Reflection Questions

1. What anger have you been carrying that you haven’t yet dealt with?
   Be honest with yourself—are there unresolved conflicts or hidden frustrations?
2. How has holding onto anger impacted your relationships or spiritual life?
   Consider whether the enemy might be using it to create division or steal peace.
3. What step can you take today to resolve or release that anger before the sun goes down?
   Maybe it’s a conversation, a prayer, or choosing to forgive in your heart.

Prayer

Dear Lord, Papa God,

Thank You that You care about every part of me—even my anger. You don’t shame me for feeling it, but You love me too much to let it control me. Lord, I admit that sometimes I hold onto anger longer than I should. I justify it, replay it, and let it grow.

Please forgive me for the times I’ve let anger lead me into sin—through words I regret, silence I used to punish, or bitterness I’ve allowed to take root.

Teach me how to deal with anger in a healthy, godly way. Help me to be quick to forgive, slow to hold grudges, and willing to seek peace—even when it’s hard. Remind me not to give the enemy any room in my life through unresolved conflict.

Today, I give You my frustrations, my pain, and my pride. Fill me with Your peace, Lord, and help me to walk in freedom.

In Jesus’ name,
Amen.

Have a great day today with Jesus.

Graham Hood.