It Starts Small

²⁵ Therefore, putting away lying, speak the truth, each one to his neighbor, because we are members of one another. ²⁶ Be angry and do not sin. Don’t let the sun go down on your anger, ²⁷ and don’t give the devil an opportunity. ²⁸ Let the thief no longer steal. Instead, he is to do honest work with his own hands, so that he has something to share with anyone in need. ²⁹ No foul language should come from your mouth, but only what is good for building up someone in need, so that it gives grace to those who hear. ³⁰ And don’t grieve God’s Holy Spirit. You were sealed by him for the day of redemption. ³¹ Let all bitterness, anger and wrath, shouting and slander be removed from you, along with all malice. ³² And be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you in Christ.

Ephesians 4:25-32

These verses passionately illuminate the stark contrasts of the Christian life. They reveal the crucial missteps to avoid. They fervently encourage us in the transformative actions we must embrace. Paul carefully explains a powerful general principle. He urges us to ‘put off the old self and put on the new self.’ Following this divine directive, the ensuing passage bursts with vibrant applications. Each one serves as a clarion call to live out our faith with unwavering commitment and zeal.

Lying

When people think of lying, they often envision dramatic and public instances. Yet, the reality is far more complex and intriguing! There exist countless forms of deception that linger in the shadows, often overlooked in our daily lives. What are some insidious forms of lying that most individuals might not even recognize as lies?

•  White lies
•  Deception
•  Misleading
•  Cheating
•  Betraying a confidence
•  Breaking a promise
•  Falsifying paperwork
•  Covering up the truth

As you can see, the many forms of lying are a profound moral struggle. Many people believe they are helping others by weaving white lies, but in truth, they are only deceiving themselves. God established clear, unwavering truths for a powerful reason. There are no conditions, loopholes, or exceptions. Every lie is a sin, and that remains true regardless of the motives behind it.

Absolutely, countless lies are spun not from noble intentions. The driving forces behind deceit often revolve around self-gain or the desire to escape consequences. It’s crucial to recognize that followers are not merely instructed to avoid falsehoods. Paul passionately urges us to “speak the truth.” Remaining silent when there is an imperative to voice the truth is equally reprehensible. Can you recall a moment when you felt the urgency to speak out but chose silence instead? What was your choice, and what motivated it?

A pastor said, Lying is theft. It is stealing the truth from someone. That will make you stop and think. Is it possible lying is a double sin?

Be angry, but do not sin

Did you know that believers are commanded to “be angry?” There are two kinds of anger, righteous anger and selfish anger. Selfish anger is far more common. Here are a few examples of selfish anger:

• Feeling a surge of indignation when someone brazenly cuts in line, as if my time and patience mean nothing!
• Fuming in fury at the outrageous rudeness of others on the road!
• Ventilating frustrations about the boss in hushed tones, bubbling with indignation and disbelief at their decisions.
• Yelling at a spouse in the heat of an argument, letting raw emotions surge and spill over, often clouding the love that once linked your hearts.
• Fiercely responding to insults with compelling words

Selfish anger is an absolute sin, without exception! It is impossible to harbor anger in such scenarios without falling into wrongdoing. Those consumed by selfish anger focus solely on their own plight. They feel wronged, insulted, or mistreated. Thus, they lash out. This anger, rooted in self-concern, is a cry for recognition of their rights and feelings above all else!

Righteous anger ignites a fierce flame within! A person fueled by this righteous fury feels an indignant fire when God’s moral code is trampled upon. This powerful emotion surges particularly when the vulnerable and defenseless are wronged, evoking a deep-seated outrage that compels action. Here are some examples:

• Jesus was filled with righteous anger as He confronted the merchants who defiled the sacred space of the temple with their relentless business dealings!
• Citizens fueled by outrage, rising up against the Nazis for their heinous acts of extermination against the Jews!
• Fueled by righteous anger at the abhorrent treatment of orphans
• Fury against the heartless individuals behind human trafficking
• Furious that abortion is not only tolerated but also legalized and actively promoted!
• Fervently standing up for a woman enduring the harrowing grip of domestic abuse, championing her right to safety and dignity!

A person filled with righteous anger is deeply invested in the well-being of others. This fervor resonates with the heart of God’s glory. It mirrors His divine law and is similar to Jesus’s powerful act of cleansing the temple. From this passionate perspective, we can see that God desires us to embrace righteous anger.

In stark contrast, apathy takes hold in places it shouldn’t. It traps too many people in indifference to the suffering around them. Those who succumb to apathy are consumed by self-interest. They are too entangled in their own lives to pause. As a result, they fail to extend a hand to the weak and innocent who desperately need our help.

Do not sin and do not let the sun go down on your anger

Paul passionately clarifies his statement “to be angry.” Even when you experience righteous anger, do not dwell in that fiery state. Instead, channel your impulses wisely. Righteous anger should ignite a powerful urge for action. However, it must not lead to any choices that cross God’s sacred line. We’ve encountered alarming instances of individuals who resorted to violence. These are individuals like those who attacked abortion clinics. They were initially fueled by a sense of righteous indignation. Yet, instead of transforming that fervor into something constructive, they allowed their anger to fester. Their anger grew and ultimately led to a destructive quest for vengeance. Allowing anger to reside in your heart lets the devil create discord in your marriage. It also affects any other area of your life.

Let us pause and look at Paul’s list. Write out each of the sin Paul mentions. What challenges do you face when you look at this list? What are specific applications you can improve this week? Keep a journal this week and write your victories and failures. Pray over these areas each day.

•  Lying
•  Anger
•  Stealing (this is not just a physical theft. I can be stealing time and talent from others. It can be stealing the truth. Stealing love and affection. Taking something that is not yours physically or emotionally is the same)
• Corrupting talk (Complaining and gossiping)
• Bitterness (Not forgiving others)
• Wrath (Burning selfish anger)
• Clamor (argumentative and trouble making. Intentionally trying to cause division and disunity)
• Slander (Gossiping, lying about another person’s character)
• Malice (Committing violent acts through words, physical acts, or emotionally abusing another)

Be kind to one another

Paul passionately concludes this section with an empowering command. Through our words and deeds, we must radiate God’s immense kindness. Notice he did not say be nice to each other. Niceness is not the same as kindness.

We should do this to everyone around us. In every family, each member grapples with sin, and this truth extends to God’s family as well. When a multitude gathers in close quarters, one undeniable reality emerges—people will inevitably step on each other’s toes. Within the church, it’s certain your toes will be stepped on as loved ones may sin against you. This is precisely why forgiveness is vital!

Reject the urge to respond with selfish anger; shun the temptation of hurtful words. Do not give the devil a foothold! Instead, embrace the transformative power of forgiveness and strive to forget grievances. Remember, Christ has lavished us with His forgiveness, so let us generously extend that same grace to others.

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Cross-References

Reflective Questions

• How do verses 25-32 relate to the old and new self topic we just discussed?
• Are the commands given negative or positive (both, one negative, one positive for each issue)?
• In what cases is a believer permitted to lie?
• In what cases are you tempted to lie?
• How about white lies?
• Is being angry a sin? Why or why not?
• Why does the Bible tell us we should be angry?
• In what cases should we be angry?
• What should we do when we are angry?
• Why should we not let the sun go down on our anger?
• What does this tell us about how to solve problems in relationships?
• What will the result be if we do stay angry over an extended period of time?
• What Christian virtue is espoused in verse 28?
• What qualification does it give for the work that we are to do (good)?
• What should be our motivation for being diligent?
• Is work good or bad? Why?
• How can we know what word is good for edification according to the need of the moment?
• How can we keep other words from leaving our lips? What kinds of words give grace and edify? Give some examples.
• What does verse 30 have to do with the rest of this passage?
• How much should we forgive each other?

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