Be angry but do not sin; do not let the sun set on your anger, and do not leave room for the devil. Ephesians 4:26-27 NABRE
In the letter to the community at Ephesus Paul is speaking too many who are new to faith. Ephesus is a large city with many diverse communities and the community of followers of Jesus has attracted many Gentiles. So Paul is speaking to the community about the complete supremacy of Christ. The quoted verse comes from the middle of the letter where Paul is teaching about “old self” and “new self,” likely thinking of who we are before and after baptism. Paul views baptism as a dying to our old self and raising out of the water alive to a new self. Symbolically it can be visualized as dropping into the water someone without faith or direction and remaining under the water until that person dies. Then as we are raised up in Christ the water flowing over us is putting on an armor, a new outfit that signifies we are new; we have a direction, we have a shepherd to follow. Paul teaches that this means we must live differently. With Christ we should not live a deceitful life, but a life of virtue. We should always tell the truth, especially to our brothers and sisters in Christ. It is ok to be angry but don’t let it lead to sin and reconcile quickly. Don’t steal, don’t use foul language; we should always impart grace. The life of a Christian is an irresistible life, seen by others they’ll want to be Christian as well.
If you are a Christian than you should be different from those who are not. People should be able to tell you are a follower of Jesus. You should live like you follow Jesus and that you want to be a person who brings joy, peace and grace to others. Christians live Christ first and then do everything else to live in Christ.
Can others tell you are baptized? Who is first in your life?
If you are a Christian than you should be different from those who are not. People should be able to tell you are a follower of Jesus. Click To Tweet#bible #godisgreat #jesus #christianity#dailybibleverse @youversion#BeAnEncourager #oldself #newself #Paul#everybodyalways #god #jesuschrist#jesussaves #godisgood #dailydevotion#biblestudy #scripture #bibleverse#verseoftheday #pray #prayer #goodnews#loveeachother #godisgreat #bocaraton#youversion #everythingalways