S – Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another. ²⁶ Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, ²⁷ and give no opportunity to the devil

Ephesians 4:25–27 ESV

O – Commentary:

Having put away falsehood, believers are to tell the truth (cf. v. 15). Truth is conforming one’s words to reality. The reason for this exhortation is that believers are all members of one another in Christ’s body, the church (cf. vv. 4, 16).

4:26–27. While believers may at times be legitimately angry (with righteous anger against sin; cf. John 2:13–16), they are not to sin. The way to prevent such sin is to “keep short accounts,” dealing with the anger before the sun goes down. The reason is that the devil would like to intensify a Christian’s righteous anger against sin, causing it to become sin itself. This then gives the devil a foothold (lit., “a place”), an opportunity for leading that Christian into further sin. Then anger begins to control the believer rather than the believer controlling his anger.

 Harold W. Hoehner, “Ephesians,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 637.

A – Two strong principles.  We demonstrate love for one another when we share truthfully with the other person.  We can say hard things that challenge while maintaining the value and respect for the person.  We can be angry without sinning.  When the anger becomes more of the issue than the thing that causes the anger, it is a problem.  When it stays longer than resolving the issue that is a problem.  These two items can bring such unity to the body of Christ if they are healthy in our walk with God and others.

R – Heavenly Father, you are Truth and grace.  Thank you for emulating truth and grace to us.  Empower us to grow in both areas.  We want to be a catalyst for continued relationship that is honest, truthful and authentic in a way that reflects your heart and love for others.  Grow our ability to resolve conflict without remaining angry.  Lead us in these things today.