Be Angry, but Don't Sin!, April 16
Daily Reflections from Inside the Cancer Journey
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Written by Elvin McLin
“‘Be angry, and do not sin’: do not let the sun go down on your wrath” (Ephesians 4:26 NKJV).
The doctor tells you those horrible words, “You have cancer!” For some of us, another announcement is even more impactful: “You only have a short time to live.” Even if your oncologist got an “A” in his bedside manner class, this news hits you with a powerful punch.
Even the most seasoned Christian may have a hard time swallowing being told they have cancer. That may only be the setup punch. The devastating blow is the knockout punch of being told the cancer is fatal.
As Christians, we too often have the ridiculous expectation that any news, any struggle, any tragedy should be accepted with unwavering calm. It’s the idea that if our faith is strong, our confidence in Christ should cancel out any extreme feelings. Fortunately, God knows there are times to be upset, devastated, and even angry.
Ephesians 4:26 tells us, “Be angry, and do not sin…” How wonderfully thoughtful of the Lord to allow us the grace to be angry. Maybe you’re a person who really does not experience a lot of anger. Cancer has a way of bringing stronger and sometimes brand-new emotions into your life.
Being told you have cancer can ignite unexpected waves of anger. Anger at the doctor! Anger at healthy people. Anger at happy people! But the main culprit might be the Lord God Himself! How could He let this happen to me, of all people? Experiencing this anger can be disturbing or even frightening.
Remember, God’s grace and mercy give us leeway to be angry. He knows we aren’t prepared for many of life’s unforeseen troubles. Be angry, and do not sin. Don’t take your anger out on others. Don’t let your anger fester into bitterness and, as Ephesians 4:26 says, “do not let the sun go down on your wrath.”
Instead, even if this new-found anger is difficult for you, take your anger to your heavenly Father. Allow the Lord’s love to take your closed fists, prying them apart only to reassemble them as praying hands. God, in all His infinite wisdom and love, knew this day was going to happen. He created time. He created the universe. He created you. While this day came as a surprise to you, the day wasn’t a surprise to Him—and neither is your anger.
Trust Him to get you through this difficult time in your life! Let the comforting words of the Lord be a healing balm to your spirit.
Pray: Lord, thank You for understanding all of me, even my anger. Through all of my emotions, grant me peace to accept devastating news. Let me sleep, knowing You are the ultimate healer and giver of life. Amen.
Your Turn: When a wave of frustration or anger hits you, stop and acknowledge it. “I’m angry, frustrated.” Turn immediately to prayer. Tell God and let the wave crash at His feet. Then stay in prayer until you feel God’s unfathomable peace.
Elvin K. McLin, Cancer Survivor
Elvin is the husband of Dominique. They live in Ellisville, Missouri where they share five beautiful adult children and five beautiful grandchildren. Elvin is an entrepreneur who began his journey with cancer in 2019 with stage three and stage four kidney cancer. As he was healing from the first encounter with cancer, another battle with cancer reared itself in the form of prostate cancer. Elvin has been welcomed by Cancer Companions to become a member of the Board of Directors.
Cancer Companion’s vision for the future is for every person impacted by cancer to know the hope, love, and grace of Jesus and that every oncology team has included faith in their treatment toolbox. By 2033, Cancer Companions will provide 5 million engagements through cancer prayers, scriptures and interactions to those impacted by cancer. Engagements include; social media outreach, e-newsletters, prayer team requests, 30 days of Cancer Prayer event, and volunteer connections.
To learn more about our ministry and the services we provide visit our website by clicking here.
