Put Off the Old, Put On Christ

“Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil.” — Ephesians 4:26–27

The Christian life is a daily call to transformation. It’s not about simply managing behavior or improving ourselves but about being made new in Christ. In Ephesians 4, Paul reminds us that when we come to Christ, we’re called to put off the old self and put on the new—living in a way that reflects the character of our Savior.

Righteous anger is real, and Scripture makes room for it. We should be angry when we see evil or injustice—when truth is trampled or when wickedness harms the innocent. But Paul warns us that even righteous anger must be handled carefully. When anger lingers, it becomes bitterness. When bitterness grows, it turns to resentment, and resentment opens the door for sin. That’s why Paul says not to let the sun go down on our anger.

The longer we hold onto anger, the more it begins to control us. Bitterness doesn’t destroy the one who wronged us; it destroys the one who clings to it. As believers, we have the ability to lay our anger down before God. We can rest in His justice and trust that He will make all things right. Psalm 4:8 says, “In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.” There’s great freedom in that truth.

Paul also warns us not to give the devil a foothold. When we harbor anger, dishonesty, or resentment, we create space for the enemy to work. It’s as if we hang a sign over our hearts that says, “Welcome here.” Instead, we’re called to put off the old self and put on Christ. We don’t want to give the enemy an inch—because he’ll take far more.

Paul gives another example: “Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands so that he may have something to share with anyone in need.” (Ephesians 4:28) Stealing isn’t just about taking money or possessions; it can be as simple as wasting time, taking credit that isn’t ours, or using resources carelessly. Christians should be known for integrity and hard work, not for selfish gain but for generosity. We work faithfully so we can bless others. Whatever God has entrusted to us—our jobs, families, gifts, or time—should be used to honor Him.

Paul then turns to our speech. He writes, “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up.” Words are powerful. They can build up or tear down in seconds. Crude, harsh, or careless words should have no place among God’s people. Our speech should reflect the grace we’ve received from Christ—bringing encouragement, truth, and healing to those around us. Every relationship we have is like a house; our words are either building it or breaking it apart.

Paul also tells us not to grieve the Holy Spirit. The Spirit who seals us for the day of redemption is the same Spirit who lives within us right now. When we choose sin, we wound the One who empowers us to live for Christ. Jesus said it was better for the Spirit to dwell in us than for Him to remain physically with us—and that reality should shape how we live. We are temples of the living God.

Finally, Paul ends this passage with a beautiful picture of what life in Christ should look like: “Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you… Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:31–32) The world thrives on outrage and division, but followers of Jesus are called to something far greater. Kindness. Compassion. Forgiveness. These are not natural responses—they’re supernatural ones, made possible by the gospel.

Spurgeon once said, “If Christ took your load, your load cannot remain on your own back.” If He paid your debt, you no longer owe it. Why would we keep holding others hostage to what Christ has already set free?

Every day we’re faced with a choice: will we live like the world, or like Christ? When we walk in unrepentant sin, we reflect the character of the enemy, not our Savior. But for those in Christ, the battle against sin is never fought alone. The Holy Spirit empowers us to put off the old and put on the new—moment by moment, day by day.

The world won’t be changed by politics, programs, or outrage. Real change begins in the heart—through the transforming power of the gospel. That transformation begins in our homes, our churches, and our communities. Love your family. Raise your children to know the Lord. Be faithful where God has placed you. And pray that the next generation will be even more faithful than ours.

Our hope is not in better systems or stronger leaders. It’s in a risen Savior who makes all things new. So put off sin, put on Christ, and live as a joyful witness in a dark and dying world.