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Be angry, but do not sin. Do not let the sun go down on your wrath, nor give any place to the devil. (Ephesians 4:26-27)

It’s right to get angry about sin, but wrong to hate the sinner. Jesus made this clear when He said, “But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you” (Matthew 5:44). How could anyone hate a person while following this counsel? Yet, there are people who claim to be Christians who disregard these words. Rather than choosing to forgive, they remain angry. Thus, they refuse to love like Jesus.

Isn’t it odd that people could hate others for committing sin while sinning at the same time for hating them? In the height of their fury, they’re not able to see how contradictory their behavior is. If they would stop focusing on themselves and start looking at Jesus, they would be filled with shame. They can’t see clearly enough to recognize how hypocritical they are, because pride keeps them from maturing in love.

If you have an issue with someone, then try to make things right with that person; look for resolutions to unite with them in love, not excuses to remain divided. As God continues to reach out to you in love, do the same to others. Don’t let the sun go down on your wrath.

© Chris S. Esty