Do not allow Satan to disrupt the peace you enjoy with your fellow worshippers. (Eph. 4:26, 27)

A Christian couple, therefore, should try to settle any issue between them before the day ends. (Eph. 4:26, 27)

Galatians 1-6; Ephesians 1-6; Philippians 1-4; Colossians 1-4; 1 Thessalonians 1-5; 2 Thessalonians 1-3; 1 Timothy 1-6–2 Timothy 1-4

​—Based on Acts, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, Philemon, 1 John, Revelation.

7. Why should we be quick to settle disputes?

⁷ The apostle Paul wrote: “Be wrathful, and yet do not sin; let the sun not set with you in a provoked state, neither allow place for the Devil.” (Eph. 4:26, 27)

Noteworthy in this regard is the apostle Paul’s counsel, apparently based on Psalm 4:4: “Be wrathful, and yet do not sin; let the sun not set with you in a provoked state, neither allow place for the Devil.”​—Eph. 4:26, 27.

We act in harmony with it, however, by working to keep the Christian congregation pure.​—Eph. 4:27, 30.

Because the problem continues to trouble you, address it kindly at an opportune time. (Read Ephesians 4:26, 27, 31, 32.)

18, 19. (a) When personal conflicts arise, why is it essential that we take the initiative to apply Scriptural counsel? (b) Why should we not give up if the other person does not at first respond in a positive way?

¹⁸ The Bible contains excellent counsel on resolving conflicts. (Matt. 5:23, 24; 18:15-17; Eph. 4:26, 27)a

/ EPHESIANS 1-6 □

(Eph. 1:1–6:24)

Along similar lines, Paul wrote: “Be wrathful, and yet do not sin; let the sun not set with you in a provoked state, neither allow place for the Devil.” (Eph. 4:26, 27)

If that were to happen, Satan would be pleased because any disruption of the peace and unity of the congregation interferes with the preaching work.​—Ephesians 4:27, 30-32.

Become kind to one another, tenderly compassionate, freely forgiving one another just as God also by Christ freely forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:26, 27, 32)

¹⁸ The apostle Paul counseled all Christians, including married Christians: “Be wrathful, and yet do not sin; let the sun not set with you in a provoked state, neither allow place for the Devil.” (Ephesians 4:26, 27)

You learn from God and from his Son about acting honestly, speaking kindly, and living responsibly. (Ephesians 4:20–5:5)

Similarly, the apostle Paul indicated that prolonged anger can “allow place [or, an opportunity] for the Devil.” (Ephesians 4:26, 27)

We are counseled against harboring even justifiable anger. (Ephesians 4:26, 27)

Hence, the apostle Paul wrote to Christians: “Put away the old personality which conforms to your former course of conduct,” and “put on the new personality.”​—Ephesians 4:22-32.