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Read: Ephesians 4:26
Listen: Ephesians 4

In your anger do not sin. Ephesians 4:26a

Paul’s words to the Ephesians acknowledge that anger happens. The command to not sin when angry isn’t permission for rage—it recognizes that believers live in a broken world saturated by sinful actions. The Ephesians live in a culture where children are neglected or abandoned, the poor suffer and other believers still say and do hurtful things. Paul’s concern centers on what happens next, whether their anger drives them toward sinful responses or toward righteousness. They have a choice to yell, withdraw in cold silence or pause to seek God’s help to respond with wisdom.

Our angry responses can feel automatic, as if someone has pushed a button and we have no choice but to explode. Yet we do choose. We might unleash fury on family members behind closed doors but suddenly gain composure when a neighbor rings the doorbell. We might freeze out a friend for a hurtful action but act warm and friendly in front of others. This reveals a moment where we decide how to respond. Through the Holy Spirit living in us, we have the power to interrupt our usual patterns. We don’t have to let someone else’s sin become the excuse for our own sin. When conversations escalate, anger builds or we feel ourselves freezing someone out, we can pause and ask God for help before we speak or act.

TODAY: Practice the pause. When you feel anger rising—whether in traffic, during a conversation or while scrolling online—stop before responding. Take a deep breath, turn away from the situation and simply pray: “God, help me respond in a way that honors you.” If anger continues to control your reactions and relationships, reach out to us at care@adabible.org for support and resources.