Matthew 5: 22
"Anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment".
The point Jesus makes in this passage is that the commandment "Do not murder" aims not only at the act of physical murder. THe command also aims at the hateful anger that can lead to murder.
Anger itself is not wrong. We need to be angry about sin, evil and injustice in the world. God certainly gets angry about those things. The word Jesus uses here for "anger" describes the slower, more meditative kind. It's the kind of anger we nurse to keep alive, the kind of anger that plots to get even. It's anger that fantasizes about what you would say or do to someone if you had the chance. It's anger that is against people, not just against issues. It's personal, and the problem with that kind of anger is that it kills "relationships".
Jesus' explanation goes even further. If we insult someone's intelligence or character, if we call them fools or idiots, we're also using anger that kills.
Jesus is teaching us that the way we treat people is incredibly important, particularly when we are upset with them or with what they have done. No matter what the case is, we are to treat others with respect.
Even our "righteous" anger has to be handled in a way that tries to build relationships. A simple way to start is by praying for the person you're angry with. Is there someone like that whom you need to pray for today??
Prayer:
We understand, Lord, that mishandled anger can kill. Thank you that in your anger with our sin, you still love us. Help us to deal with our anger in love. For Jesus' sake, "Amen"
God Bless
"Anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment".
The point Jesus makes in this passage is that the commandment "Do not murder" aims not only at the act of physical murder. THe command also aims at the hateful anger that can lead to murder.
Anger itself is not wrong. We need to be angry about sin, evil and injustice in the world. God certainly gets angry about those things. The word Jesus uses here for "anger" describes the slower, more meditative kind. It's the kind of anger we nurse to keep alive, the kind of anger that plots to get even. It's anger that fantasizes about what you would say or do to someone if you had the chance. It's anger that is against people, not just against issues. It's personal, and the problem with that kind of anger is that it kills "relationships".
Jesus' explanation goes even further. If we insult someone's intelligence or character, if we call them fools or idiots, we're also using anger that kills.
Jesus is teaching us that the way we treat people is incredibly important, particularly when we are upset with them or with what they have done. No matter what the case is, we are to treat others with respect.
Even our "righteous" anger has to be handled in a way that tries to build relationships. A simple way to start is by praying for the person you're angry with. Is there someone like that whom you need to pray for today??
Prayer:
We understand, Lord, that mishandled anger can kill. Thank you that in your anger with our sin, you still love us. Help us to deal with our anger in love. For Jesus' sake, "Amen"
God Bless
