Don’t Let the Sun Go Down On Your Anger
Well, if you think that this phrase “don't let the sun go down on me” originates with Elton John and his lyricist Bernie Taupin, you're wrong. It actually is an old saying and it comes from, of all places, the book of Ephesians in the New Testament.
Paul in Ephesians 4:26–27 says this: "In your anger, do not sin. Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold." It sounds like he's saying don't let the sun go down on you when you're angry.
Dangers of Anger
Many people know this verse and make it a rule of their life to not get into bed angry, but to sort out their issues before they get into bed. Especially in marriage, people tend to have this practice. It's a very good one.
Don't let the sun go down while there's anger in your heart. You see, anger has a way of festering, bubbling up, overwhelming you. And if you're not going to deal with it, while you sleep it might just bubble up even more.
And all throughout the centuries, people have known this. There is a story of John, the patriarch of Alexandria, who had a controversy with another man in the city. And they had very angry words and got very upset with each other. And off they went. And as he was lying in bed, John began to reflect on what had happened. And although he felt he was in the right in his argument, he said, Surely God is not pleased with my anger and my stubbornness. The night’s coming, will I let the sun go down on my anger? This is opposed to Paul's advice, and so he sent some of his friends to the other man with this message: The sun is going down. The other man, also a Christian, knew exactly what he was talking about, rushed over to his house, and in a gentle way, the two men embraced and settled the dispute instantly.
Practice Reconciliation Daily
Wouldn't it be great if more of us had this mindset? Wouldn't it be great if in your anger you could go, oh no, the sun's about to go down. I don't want this to still be hanging over me when I get into bed. Let me fix this.
Let me ask you, what do you need to fix today? What anger do you need to be rid of by settling disputes and dealing gently with people?
We people of Christ should not let our anger bubble over, but we should always find a way to resolve our disputes so that the sun doesn't go down on our anger.
I pray that whatever happens in your life, you'll never let anger control you, but in a spirit of prayer, you will let the gentleness of God take over your spirit so that the sun doesn't go down on your anger.
