Scripture to Read: Matthew 5:22
For the last two days, we have examined how Jesus reminded us that murder is a sin. Our Lord showed us how the court was and is to judge those who have committed murder. But then Jesus adds a twist and says in Matthew 5:22, “But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother shall be guilty before the court…” Jesus threw “anger” into the same arena as “murder” and said that anyone who is angry shall be guilty before the same court as a murderer. We may not picture “anger” as seriously as Jesus does and that is a major problem. Anger is an emotion that has caused many heartbreaks, broken lives, destroyed marriages, and wreaked havoc on families. God tells us this about anger in James 1:19–20, “This you know, my beloved brethren. But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger; 20 for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God.” God says that our anger “never” brings about His righteousness. Here is what God says about anger in Proverbs 16:32, “He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit, than he who captures a city.” And God says this in Ecclesiastes 7:9, “Do not be eager in your heart to be angry, for anger resides in the bosom of fools.” Anger is a dangerous emotion that controls “fools.” We must guard against anger, for that is where the enemy can get a foothold in our lives (Ephesians 4:26–27).
Challenge & Application
· Why is the emotion of anger so dangerously powerful?
· How do you guard against anger taking residence in your life?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!