Message Minute (Resigning as Judge)

“Be angry and do not sin. Don’t let the sun go down on your anger, and don’t give the devil an opportunity.” - Ephesians 4:26-27

Here's something freeing: you weren't designed to be judge of the universe. When Paul says don't let the sun go down on your anger, he's not just talking about resolving every conflict before bedtime. He's saying don't carry the burden of righting all wrongs done to you. God has promised to handle that.

You can lay your head on your pillow at night and sleep because final judgment isn't your job. Vengeance belongs to the Lord. For one thing, we all have sin of our own to deal with. Second, because our loves are disordered, we'll almost always get judgment wrong—mixing in selfish, sinful motives.

Playing judge over wrongs done to us only corrupts us. That's why Paul says to turn anger over to God at day's end and trust Him with ultimate justice. This is freedom! Some people have harbored bitterness so long it's eating them like cancer. They've become prisoners to anger, letting people who aren't even in their lives anymore—maybe not even alive—control their emotions and peace.

When you forgive, you're not saying what happened wasn't bad. You're just acknowledging it's not your hook to carry.

Reflect: What burden of judgment are you carrying that belongs to God? What would it feel like to release that today?

Prayer: Lord, help me resign as judge. Teach me to trust Your justice and sovereignty. Free me from the weight of playing a role that's Yours alone. Amen.