Pastor Stephen Dedman

Be angry, and do not sin: do not let the sun go down on your wrath,
‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭4‬:‭26‬

Anger is a powerful emotion that we all experience at times. It can be triggered by various situations—disappointment, injustice, conflict, or hurt. While anger itself is not sinful, it is what we do with our anger that matters. Paul helps us in managing our anger in a way that aligns with God’s will.

Paul acknowledges the reality of anger: “Be angry.” He doesn’t condemn the emotion itself but acknowledges that it’s a natural response to certain situations. However, he quickly follows this acknowledgment with a caution: “do not sin.” While we may feel anger, we must not allow it to lead us into sinful thoughts, words, or actions. This means controlling our responses and not allowing anger to dictate our behavior.

Paul offers a practical instruction: “do not let the sun go down on your wrath.” In other words, he urges us not to let our anger linger unresolved. Holding onto anger can lead to bitterness, resentment, and relational breakdown. Instead, Paul encourages us to address our anger promptly, seeking reconciliation and forgiveness if necessary. By dealing with our anger in a timely and constructive manner, we prevent it from taking root and causing further harm.

Today, if you find yourself wrestling with anger, take a moment to pause and reflect on Ephesians 4:26. Acknowledge your emotions, but also seek God’s perspective on the situation. Ask Him for wisdom and grace to respond in a way that reflects His love and truth. And remember, as you entrust your anger to God, He is faithful to guide you towards reconciliation, healing, and peace.

Pray

Lord, thank You for Your guidance on how to manage anger in a way that honors You. Help me to acknowledge my emotions but to respond in a way that will reflect Your love and truth. Give me grace to address my anger promptly and seek reconciliation and forgiveness when needed. May Your Spirit guide me in all my interactions and relationships. In Jesus’ name, amen.

And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.
‭‭I Corinthians‬ ‭13‬:‭13‬

In 1 Corinthians 13, the apostle Paul describes the characteristics and importance of love in the life of a believer. In verse 13, he concludes by affirming the enduring nature of faith, hope, and love, highlighting love as the greatest. Faith, hope, and love are foundational virtues that sustain and bless our Christian life.

Faith anchors us in the promises of God, enabling us to trust in His goodness, sovereignty, and faithfulness, even when circumstances seem uncertain. It is through faith that we are justified before God, receiving salvation as a free gift through Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:8-9).

Hope, likewise, sustains us in times of trouble, reminding us of the future glory that awaits us in Christ. It is the confident expectation of what God has promised, the assurance that His purposes will be fulfilled, and His kingdom will come in all its fullness (Romans 8:24-25).

But above all, there is love—the greatest of these virtues. Love is not merely an emotion; it is a choice, an action, a way of life. It is the selfless, sacrificial, and unconditional love that God has lavished upon us through Jesus Christ, demonstrated most profoundly on the cross (1 John 4:9-10).

As followers of Christ, we are called to reflect this same love in our relationships with God and others. Love compels us to seek the good of others, to forgive as we have been forgiven, to show kindness, compassion, and grace to all, regardless of merit or deserving.

In a world that often values power, success, and self-interest, may we be known as a people who prioritize love above all else. May our lives be a reflection of God’s love, shining brightly in the darkness, pointing others to the source of all love—Jesus Christ.

Pray

Lord, thank You for the blessing of faith, hope, and love. Help me to use these virtues and to prioritize love above all else. Fill me with Your love, that I may love You with all my heart and love others as myself. May my life be a testament to Your great love and grace, drawing others into relationship with You. In Jesus’ name, amen.

His name shall endure forever; His name shall continue as long as the sun. And men shall be blessed in Him; All nations shall call Him blessed.
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭72‬:‭17‬

The name of the Lord is not merely a label; it represents His character, authority, and eternal nature. It is a name that endures throughout all generations. As we reflect on the enduring nature of God’s name, we are reminded of His faithfulness, grace, mercy, and compassion towards His people.

In Jesus, we have a visual of the embodiment of God’s name—His character, attributes, and purposes fully revealed. He came to earth to reconcile humanity to God, to bring salvation and eternal life to all who believe in Him. Through His death and resurrection, He established a kingdom that will never end.

As believers in Christ, we are blessed to be recipients of God’s grace. In Him, we find forgiveness, redemption, and new life. Through faith in Jesus, we are adopted into God’s family, co-heirs with Christ, and recipients of every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms (Ephesians 1:3).

But the blessings of God are not meant to be kept to ourselves. They are meant to be shared with others, to be a source of blessing and encouragement to others. As we live each day in Christ and reflect His love and grace to those around us, we become channels of God’s blessing, agents of His kingdom, and ambassadors of His grace.

May we, as followers of Christ, be known as a people who bring blessing wherever we go—blessing our families, communities, and nations with the love, mercy, and compassion of Jesus Christ. And may all nations call Him blessed, as they come to know and experience the eternal blessings found in Him alone.

Pray

Lord, thank You for the enduring nature of Your name and the eternal blessings You give. Help me to abide in You, to walk in Your ways, and to reflect Your love and grace to the world around me. Use me as an instrument of Your blessing, that others may come to know and call You blessed. In Jesus’ name, amen.