Before the Sun Sets: A Conversation on Anger, Faith, and Freedom
We all feel it—but few of us know what to do with it.
Let’s Talk About Anger
Anger is a normal, God-given emotion. It shows up when something feels unfair, when someone crosses the line, when we’ve been hurt or pushed too far.
According to the American Psychological Association:
“Anger is an emotion characterized by antagonism toward someone or something you feel has deliberately done you wrong. It can provide a way to express negative feelings or motivate you to find solutions to problems. But excessive anger can cause problems—such as difficulty thinking clearly and harm to your physical and mental health.”
And that’s what I want to talk about — not just anger, but excessive anger.
The kind that hardens the heart. The kind that simmers too long and begins to poison our peace.
I’ve felt that kind of anger.
The kind that makes you want to retaliate. The kind that feels justified — until it starts to weigh you down.
And that’s what I’m learning:
Anger isn’t the enemy. But when we let it linger, we give the enemy room to move.
So today, I’m taking it to God —
and letting His Word speak louder than my rage.
Using the S.O.A.P Bible Study Method
S – Scripture
“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.”
— Ephesians 4:26–27 (NIV)
O – Observation
This verse doesn’t say “don’t be angry.”It says, “In your anger, do not sin.”
That’s a crucial difference.
Anger is a natural response. But sin is a choice.
Ephesians 4 as a whole calls us to put off our old selves and live as people who reflect Christ.
We’re not called to walk like the world — quick to react, quick to cut people off, quick to speak without wisdom.
“They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts.” — Ephesians 4:18
And that’s exactly what unchecked anger does — it hardens the heart.
A hardened heart disconnects us from peace.
It clouds our mind, clutters our spirit, and opens doors to bitterness.
That’s why Paul warns us:
“Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry.”
Paul’s warning isn’t just about not going to bed mad — it’s about not letting anger live with you. It’s about duration. About deciding: this doesn’t get to stay.
When anger festers, it becomes toxic for us all.
When we hold onto it, we give the enemy a foothold.
foothold is defined as a secure position from which further progress may be made.
We hand him the key.
We say, “Here. Use this to gain further access. Twist this and you will succeed.”
And he does.
A – Application
What this means for me today is simple, yet climbing these stairs may bring about difficulty.
I can feel angry — but I don’t have to let anger lead me.
I don’t have to let it stay and linger around like a bad smell.
I don’t have to hand anger the pen and let it write a chapter God never intended.
Here’s what I’m committing to:
• I will acknowledge my anger. I won’t suppress it.
• I will refuse to let it fester overtime and leak into my peace.
• I will ask God to soften my heart before the weight hardens me.
• I will choose forgiveness — even when it’s slow, even when it hurts.
• I will let faith guide my actions, not feelings.
Because peace is not passive — it’s a choice to obey God when the storm is still raging.
P – Prayer
Father,
You know my heart. You know the things that trigger me.
You know where offense tries to hide and bitterness wants to grow.
Today, I bring my anger to You.
I don’t want it to lead me. I don’t want it to take root.
I don’t want to give the enemy space to twist my words or harden my heart.
Soften me, Lord.
Help me let go of what’s heavy and cling to what’s holy.
Fill me with Your Spirit — not so I can pretend I’m not angry,
but so I can respond with wisdom, not react with wrath.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
Let’s Be Honest
I’m not perfect.
But one thing I’ve learned is that— holding a grudge does more harm to you than to the person you’re angry at.
I once heard someone say un-forgiveness is like chaining yourself to the past. And I believe the same applies to anger. When you hold on to anger, you’re not just remembering — you’re linking yourself to that person, that pain, that past, that moment. You are reliving it every single day, you hold on to it.
Just imagine This…
You’ve been walking around carrying chains for years. One from when you were 10 years old — when your parents or caregiver didn’t show up in the way you needed. Then another at 15, when your best friend broke your trust in a way that still stings. One more at 20. Then another at 22. Another at 23. 24. 25. gasps
Now you’re 28 — still dragging pain that’s celebrated too many birthdays. And let’s be honest... You wouldn’t even lift that much weigh in the gym, and definitely not for that long.
But somehow, emotionally and spiritually, we carry it like it’s normal. Like it’s a lifestyle — like it belongs to us. That’s what unchecked anger does. It anchors you. It clouds your judgement. It robs you of clarity. It suffocates joy. It takes the wheel — because we give it the authority to do so.
Psychology says it affects your mind and body.
the Bible teaches us many things such as “Don’t let the sun go down on your anger.” It’s not written just for correcting you — It’s protection.
It’s a Father telling his child it’s not worth it. It’s not beneficial. Don’t let it linger for a long time.
So today I ask you (and myself):
How long will we keep carrying this?
How long will we let the enemy use our emotions against us?
Because I know it’s hard. I know it feels easier to stay mad.
But that feeling of control is a lie. It’s not control — it’s bondage.
Take the chain off.
You don’t need to carry it.
You don’t need to stay angry to prove you were hurt.
You can be healed and whole.
***
I’m choosing peace.
I’m choosing to let God lead, not my feelings.
Because I want to walk freely — not chained to a moment that already passed.
Want to Reflect With Me?
Have you ever felt like your anger was chaining you to something you thought you’d already let go of?
Have you seen how it can weigh you down without even noticing?
Feel free to share in the comments, or reflect privately.
Let’s walk through this Word together — not just as writers, readers, but as doers.