Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – The Virtuous Life – Day 233 – Ephesians 4-26-27 – A Foothold – Growing As Disciples
And “don’t sin by letting anger control you.” Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a foothold to the devil. Ephesians 4:26-27 (NLT)
Do An Inventory
That is what I would like you to do. What would you like me to do? I would like you draw near to me at the end of each of your days. I would like it if we discussed how your day went. I would like you to meet with me so we can assess your day together. In other words, I would like us to do an inventory of your thoughts and words and actions during your day. How does that sound? You seem a little hesitant. Does this seem like a scary prospect to you? Yes, it does. Why is that? I am sure that each of my days will not stand up to your scrutiny. Haven’t you frequently said that you want to think and speak and act in ways that please me? Haven’t you said that you want to become like me in your thoughts and words and deed? Yes, I have said those words many times. Were you not serious? Yes, I was and am very serious about my desire to live a life that is pleasing to you. Nothing would make me happier than to think and speak and act in ways that are pleasing to you. So, when you fail to live out this desire, you would rather not talk about it? You would rather not discuss it with me? I didn’t say that. I said that discussing my failings with you seems like a scary prospect to me. Would you rather we remain silent with each other, and you go on thinking and speaking and acting in ways that displease me? No, certainly not. You know that you cannot think and speak and act in ways that please me without my help? Yes, of that I am certain. Our talking together, discussing your day, is when and where you will ask for and receive my help. Does asking for and receiving my help seem like a scary prospect to you? No, not at all. Well then, will you meet with me to discuss your day with me? Yes, I will. That will be very good.
What is one thing we can discuss right now? I have been angry. I have been offended. My rights have been violated. Yes, I noticed. You agree? Yes, I do agree. So, it is ok for me to hold on to anger? What do you think? I think you want me to let go of anger. You don’t want me to hold on to anger. You want me to forgive others willingly and freely, just as you have willingly and freely forgiven me. When I do that, I will be thinking and speaking and acting like you. Yes, you will and in doing so you will not be giving a foothold to the devil. I will let go of anger. I will not carry it with me. I will forgive others just as you have forgiven me. That is very good. See, taking an inventory with me is a very good thing. Yes, it is. Thank you, Lord.
Lord, I will not let the devil gain a foothold in my life. I will not carry anger with me from day to day. I will let go of anger and willingly forgive those who have wronged me. Help me to assess each day to verify that I am not letting the sun go down on my anger. Amen
Key Question… How willing are you to let go of your anger and forgive those who have wronged you?
Living It Out… Make sure that you do not carry anger with you from day to day.
Seeing It Happen… Have faith that the devil will not gain a foothold in your life when you don’t let the sun go down on your anger.
Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how you are not letting the sun go down on your anger.
Prayer To Bless Others… May you never give the devil a foothold by letting anger take hold of you.
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