Holding anger makes a bed for the devil, but forgiveness leads to his eviction.

This past Sunday, Pastor Filmore broke down Ephesians 4:25-32. Written by Paul, we find a letter addressing and calling the church of Ephesus towards unity. Specifically, we find Paul calling out one emotion that has led to broken unity: anger.

To grow close to God means growing close to one another, but we see how one emotion can break havoc in our relationships. One emotion can give "a foothold to the devil." That doesn't have to be the route our church chooses though; it can be controlled. We are human. Anger is inevitable - like any other emotion, our bodies are communicating something to us when we feel it. Avoiding anger is impossible, but harboring anger is optionable. Much more, through scripture we are told to be cautious about our words and actions when holding this emotion. It is not a sin to be angry, but it is easy to sin when we are. Pastor Filmore explains how it is counter-productive as Christians to resist the devil yet still hold anger.

This emotion can leave a bed made in our house, so how do we make sure the Devil is fully out?

Forgiveness. Forgiveness is Eviction.

This one word is not easy at all. We all have complex pasts and stories, and Pastor Filmore acknowledges that in this message. But we are also encouraged that our hearts are homes for the Holy Spirit and unity. Healing is possible, but we have to be specific about our pain. General forgiveness will not heal specific pain, so we need to be specific even with our forgiveness. Forgiveness isn't easy, but we have the power to forgive just as Christ forgave us.

It is time to heal.

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