Let not the sun go down on your anger
Trevor Withers 22nd October
Ephesians 4 v 25-30
Learning to ski is more difficult than it looks. Following Jesus is similar, you may be a beginner or more mature in Christ. But unless we change and become like little children we will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Spiritually we are very young. Even older Christians have some growing up to do. For example we may love the Bible but never share our faith, we may have great passion but say things which hurt others.
V 25 all one body. We all make our contribution, doing what we know how to do.
V 29 the things we say should build others up according to their needs not ours. We often listen to others while working out what we want to say next. Really listen to find out others' needs. The power of the spoken word is enormous, especially for Christians who believe our God created the world with his words.
We also can speak things into being in people. Encourage, build up,create energy in people to enable them to step out or develop.
V 26 do not let the sun go down while you're still angry. We are often angry with ourselves rather than others. Blocked goals, we can't do something we think we ought to be able to do.
Trevor shared how as a young man he was often angry, to the detriment of himself and those around him. His anger would be sparked off by little things and would last for days. However he learned to choose not to let it get the better of him.
We need to choose how to react to things, choose how to deal with our anger. Anger in itself is not sinful, it's how we deal with it. Often it's selfishness, things not going our way. Sometimes connecting with people helps the situation. Doesn't mean you'll never be angry again, Trevor still has to choose sometimes how to react to how he feels.
'Before the sun goes down' - sort it somehow before your head hits the pillow. Talk to someone, pray, whatever. 'Daytime bulkheads' between each day, to stop the anger leaking from one day to the next, like bulkheads stoop a whole ship getting flooded. Stop your ship getting flooded by your anger.
Does any of this resonate with you, are you not in control of anger in your life. Pray with someone. | 
