Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, “Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment:” But I say unto you, that whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment. – Matthew 5:21-22 (KJV)
As we learn about righteousness which exceeds that of the Pharisees we have to look to the cause behind our deeds, or at least the cause that is behind what we would do if the law didn’t prohibit it.
Most of us have known that person who seemed to be seething with anger and was just waiting for a chance to boil over onto someone.
- They seem to be angry at everyone and everything and it just takes a little bit to get them to express their anger.
We must realize that anger is not evil, but unresolved anger leads to evil intent.
- I like the Amplified Bible rendering of this passage.
- It reads, “I say to you that everyone who continues to be angry with his brother or harbors malice (enmity of heart) against him shall be liable to and unable to escape the punishment imposed by the court.”
- The Amplified seems to emphasize that unresolved anger leads to malice harbored in the heart.
Unresolved anger is the issue here.
- Anger unresolved leads to bitterness and bitterness leads to death, either physical or emotional.
- In the kingdom of God we cannot despise people of other races, other lifestyles, other cultures, and, yes, of other religions.
If we do carry a seething anger against another person or persons we are guilty of a grave sin and in need of forgiveness.
- Examine your heart to see if you harbor enmity against another person then deal with it righteously.
Paul addresses this issue in Ephesians 4:26-27, “In your anger do not sin; Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.”
- Taking your anger to bed with you will not only keep you awake but it gives the enemy of your peace the opportunity to get a foothold in your heart.
Prayer: Lord, grant me the grace to resist carrying anger toward others. Help me to resolve any anger issues daily. In Jesus name, amen.
Message: Anger unresolved leads to bitterness and bitterness leads to death, either physical or emotional. If we do carry a seething anger against another person or group we are guilty of a grave sin and in need of forgiveness.
Affirmation: When I am angry, I settle the issue quickly so a seed of bitterness is not formed in my spirit.
Reflection: Anger is not sin, but unresolved anger can lead to sin. Anger comes from being hurt or offended by another person. Who has offended you? Do you still carry a bruise in your spirit over a past offence? Give some careful thought to that question and if you are carrying an offense against someone, get it resolved quickly.
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