Knowing the meaning of the statement “Do not let the sun go down on your anger” is essential because many people have misinterpreted this Bible verse. The Bible part where this question is derived from is the book of Ephesians 4:26 and it reads: “In your anger do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger.” Some other translations says: “Be angry but do not sin;do not let the sun go down while you are still angry.”
Understanding this Bible verse is crucial to your christian life. Now, it is obvious that everyone can be angry and even the Bible confirms it. But the warning is: “Do not sin by letting the sun go down on your anger or while you are still angry.” Okay.
What Does it Actually Mean to Let the Sun go Down on One’s Anger?
Some people interpret to let the sun go down on one’s anger as meaning to remain angry until the literal sun literally disappears beneath the horizon. That is, to continue to be angry until dusk, sunset or sundown. For such people, if someone offends you, you must observe the literal sun and make sure you dispel your anger before nightfall. This is an outcome of a bad Biblical hermeneutics. One of the things the word of God is designed to do is to liberate people from error and, so, any misinterpretation of it will definitely put people in bondage to error.
What Is The Meaning of Do Not Let The Sun Go Down On Your Anger?
To not let the sun go down on your anger or while you are still angry simply means to prevent your anger from festering and developing into what the Bible calls the “root of bitterness” in Hebrews 12:15. It has nothing to do with the literal sun, dusk or sunset.
The root of bitterness is not a negligible matter because the Bible itself says that it can spring up, cause trouble and defile someone. Now, the root of bitterness does not emanate from the sky, ground or elsewhere. It is the direct result of anger harboured for long. When you harbour anger for long, the root of bitterness ensues. When this has set in, anything else can follow: hatred, calumny, bearing false witness, infringement of right, quarrel, unhealthy rivalry, deceit, envy and even murder.
Conclusion
I believe that, now, you know the meaning of “Do not let the sun go down on your anger or while you are still angry.” To avoid the root of bitterness, do not keep anger in your heart for long. Note that, as a child of God, you must not reconcile with your offender before you dispel your anger towards them. Some offenders are impossible to reconcile with due to their defiance, unrepentant attitude and even gleefulness over the impact of their offence on you. In fact, the Bible categorically cautions us against reconciling or even associating with defiant unrepentant people who derive pleasure from doing evil. (2 Timothy 3:1-5, 2 Thessalonians 3:6, 14&15)
Nevertheless, for your own good, to avoid being defiled by the root of bitterness, whether you reconcile or associate with somebody or not, stop feeling bitter or angry towards them for long. I am not trivializing the offence committed against you. I know the offence is of the greatest magnitude. But, I, repeat, for your own good, not your offender’s good, do not feel bitter towards anyone whether you are right or wrong. (2Thessalonian 3:14-15, Psalm 37:1, Proverbs 24:19).
It is possible to do this without reconciling or associating with the culprit. This is what it means to forgive defiant unrepentant people. Do not reconcile or associate with them because, if you do, you will either give them the opportunity to harm you further or you will end up becoming like them.(Matthew 7:6, Proverbs 13:20, 22:25-25, 1Corinthians 15:33) On the other hand, do not feel bitter towards them. Otherwise, you will be defiled by the root of bitterness.