Therefore, putting away lying, "Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor," for we are members of one another. 26 "Be angry, and do not sin": do not let the sun go down on your wrath, 27 nor give place to the devil. Eph 4:25-27 I had never realized that these Scriptures (25 and 26,27) which seem unrelated are really linked. Think about this... How many times when someone is offended do they not speak truth when dealing with their anger. They avoid or just out and out lie about the cause of their anger and then it simmers causing spiritual sickness.
This morning as I was meditating on the Lord He brought this passage to mind in regards to someone that abruptly decided to leave our church. I have experienced this in the past with other members who either just left without sharing why or gave some excuse that didn't make much sense. Often times we "spiritualize" our actions and in so doing cut off all conversation. You have probably heard something like, "Well, God told me...". That is exactly what I mean. Either God did tell them or you have to convince them that He didn't. Which will be offensive and most likely end in their leaving even angrier because you questioned their spiritual sensitivities.
In my experience those who leave because God is calling them do so on friendly terms that lead to a strengthening of the Body of Christ. They move into a postition of ministry in the Body and remain close to the church that they have left. Those that leave because they are dissatisfied, upset or offended leave a church with unanswered questions, hurt feelings, and more often than not damage to other Christians in the body. Their place in the Body is left empty and their ministry is left undone. If only we would listen to the advice that Paul was giving. "Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor." Of course that means we first have to speak truth to ourselves. If we have been complaining about the leadership of the church. If we have been unhappy with the worship. If we have found fault in other believers that worship with us. The list could go on and on but whatever the problem that has been troubling us it is time to speak truth. Don't let the devil use your discontent or offence to cause confusion and anger.
You might say, "But I'm not angry. I'm just leaving." Really? Leaving your church family, your place of worship, your friends and fellow congregants. Leaving your place of ministry in the body. That sounds rather harsh. All because we aren't speaking truth with our neighbor and we reap the results of Ephesians 4:25 that are given to us in verses 26 and 27. "Be angry, and do not sin": do not let the sun go down on your wrath, 27 nor give place to the devil". We have given "place" to the devil. Really, all Satan needs is a foothold. A place to attack not only us but the Body of Christ. And in our unresolved offences we give him just such a place. And from that place, The Enemy of our soul harrasses us and begins to wage war thwarting the move of God in our lives and creating voids of darkness that will soon overtake us if not dealt with honestly.
One might feel compelled to defend this behavior with such thoughts as, "Am I my brothers keeper?" The answer is simply, yes. Remember Paul's words in Galatians 5:13 "For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another."
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