Do not let the sun go down, with your wrath.

This is a powerful and practical command from Scripture, urging believers to deal with anger quickly and not let it fester into bitterness. It is a call to reconciliation and peace.

Here is a poem and reflection on this vital instruction.

---

Before the Sunset

The day is done, the light grows dim, The evening shadows stretch and brim. But in the heart,a fire burns, A lesson that the spirit learns.

A word was said, a wound was made, In bitterness,a choice is laid: To hold it tight,to feed the spark, Or seek the light before the dark.

“‘In your anger do not sin’: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry,”(Ephesians 4:26)

Do not let the night’s deep creep, Find anger in your heart,so deep. For in the dark,it roots and grows, A toxic weed that no one knows.

It gives the devil ground to stand, A fertile,willing, open land. “and do not give the devil a foothold.”(Ephesians 4:27)

So though the pride may rise and call, To stand its ground,to build its wall, The way of Christ is to relent, To seek the peace,to be content.

Go now, before the light has fled, Humble your heart,your spirit tread The path of peace,however cost, Lest something precious,be forever lost.

Say the words, “I was wrong,” Make forgiveness your evening song. Extend the grace you need yourself, And put your anger on the shelf.

For reconciliation’s way, Brings in the dawn of a new day. The sun may set upon the strife, But not upon its bitter life.

So let the sunset find you free, From anger’s bitter tyranny. At peace with God,and man, and soul, Restored and mercifully whole.

---

What This Means Practically:

This verse is not saying that feeling anger is a sin. Even Jesus was angry at times (Mark 3:5). The command is:

1. Do Not Sin in Your Anger: Anger is an emotion; what we do with it can become sin (e.g., lashing out, holding a grudge, seeking revenge).

2. Resolve It Quickly: Don't let anger simmer overnight. The longer it sits, the more it morphs into bitterness, resentment, and hatred, which are poisonous to the soul.

3. Why? To Deny the Devil a Foothold: Unresolved anger is an open door for the enemy to bring division, temptation, and spiritual defeat into our lives and relationships.

4. It's an Act of Obedience: This is a conscious choice to prioritize peace and reconciliation, reflecting God's character of forgiveness toward us (Ephesians 4:32).

A Simple Prayer:

"Lord Jesus, as the sun sets, I bring my anger before You. Search my heart and show me any hurt or bitterness I am holding onto. Give me the courage and humility to seek reconciliation where it is needed. Help me to forgive as You have forgiven me. I refuse to give the devil a foothold in my life. I release this anger to You and ask for Your peace to guard my heart and mind tonight. Amen."