✝️ Ephesians 4:26-27 | Flipping Tables, Forgiving Thieves

👐 support our work // 📧 subscribe

📧 In today’s email…

• 🎵 From Psalms to the Cross

• 🫂 Practicing reconciliation

• 🔦 Community spotlight

 🧠 Memorize

_{see if you know what words go in the blanks}

Be _____ ___ __ ___ ___; do not ___ ___ ___ __ ____ on your _____, and give __ ___________ __ ___ devil.

Ephesians 4:26-27

🎵 From Psalms to the Cross ✝️

Paul’s instruction in Ephesians 4:26-27— “In your anger, do not sin” — is a direct reference to Psalm 4:4, which states:

The Hebrew word translated as “be angry” can also mean “be agitated.”

Both passages caution against allowing powerful feelings, like anger, to lead us away from God's will.

In Psalm 4, David is likely addressing slander and betrayal by others.

Instead of reacting impulsively, he tells listeners to examine their hearts before God and remain silent rather than retaliate.

Paul builds on this principle by adding a practical time frame — “do not let the sun go down on your anger.”

As we saw yesterday, this phrase highlights an urgency (the sun goes down every single day) of addressing conflict.

Flipping Tables and Forgiving Thieves

Ultimately, the call to restrain anger points us to the One who perfectly embodied righteous living.

Jesus faced betrayal, false accusations, and unimaginable suffering, yet He responded with grace, love, and forgiveness.

He was angry (flipping tables), but did not sin.

On the cross, instead of lashing out in anger, Christ prayed, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34).

His restraint wasn’t weakness — it was the power of divine love overcoming sin and hate.

Through Jesus’ death and resurrection, we find the ultimate path to peace and reconciliation.

Jesus not only reconciled us to the Father, but also gives us the strength to reconcile with others.

If you’re struggling with anger or unresolved hurt, know that you aren’t called to reconciliation based on your own strength.

The Holy Spirit empowers you to extend what you have received through Jesus.

By submitting your emotions to the Lord, you can experience a peace that strengthens unity, restores broken relationships, and draws you closer to God’s heart.

Apply & Respond: Practicing Reconciliation 🫂

This week, take one practical step toward reconciliation:

• Offer an apology or seek forgiveness for unresolved conflicts.

• Pray for someone who has hurt or angered you, asking God to soften your heart towards them.

• Replace harsh words with kindness and encouragement in difficult conversations.

When you’re in the midst of taking one of these steps, sense the Spirit of God in you as you imitate Jesus!

Community spotlight 🔦 

Feedback ❤️ 

It's so helpful to know the Greek and to know what the words really mean. This is the most helpful way to memorize that I have ever found.

— S. F.

I love the way you connect God‘s Word to your every day walk with the Lord. I love the resources you put out and the songs too. I look forward to your emails every morning. Thank you for all that you do for the furtherance of God’s kingdom!

- Joann B.

Shout-outs 📣

• HUGE thank you to Miranda, Janda, Jimmie and TS for choosing to pay-it-forward so we can keep operating and help more people memorize and learn about God’s Word!

Answer key ✅ 

Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil.

Ephesians 4:26-27