Right Reactions

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...