Passage Read: Ephesians 3-4
Meditation Verses: 4:24-27
Thought
The new self is created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. For me to put it on means that I must no longer conceal any truth, but walk in honesty and genuineness, especially with other believers because we are members of one body. Paul follows that up with this instruction not to sin in my anger. The most natural connection between the two is to be honest about even things that make us angry. When offended by a fellow believer, we should speak the truth and bring that thing out into the open, rather than conceal it and pretend nothing happened. In all humility and desire to maintain unity, we should be able to clarify what happened, whether the thing was truly offensive or misunderstood, and of course be eager to make things right and correct any wrong. The new self doesn't deliberately lie and it doesn't "graciously" overlook wrong.
Application
I'd rather avoid conflict. I like to think overlooking an offense is more noble, and it is true that the wise man doesn't take every offense to heart. This isn't saying I have to speak up about everything I don't like, but for sure I need to speak up about those things that lead me to anger. I may be wrong to get angry; I may be misunderstanding something said or done, or blowing something out of proportion. But I may also be genuinely offended by someone wronging me. If I ignore or bury the offense, that leaves a mark in my heart against that person and causes me to raise a guard in their presence. Unity is hindered. It also withholds a chance for the other to grow, if they truly have some wrong way about them. Righteousness doesn't overlook sin, but wants every brother and sister to grow in Christlikeness. Sinful behavior is not the only thing that can provoke anger, but it is one thing. Sadly, having someone point out sinful behavior is another, even when done in love by one believer to another. In the new self, I have to be as open to receive rebuke as I'm willing to give it, or more so.