JUNE 6,  Matthew 5:21-24

In this portion of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus addresses the relationships we have with each other. The sins that we commit against each other hinder our fellowship with God. It is a hard message because the truth of our deceptive, sinful hearts is revealed. Today, we learn how seriously God views anger.

Judgment for murder is rightfully the death sentence. But what we may find hard to accept, is how we can murder someone with our anger and by our words. Jesus tells us that whoever is angry without a cause is guilty of murder. Remember Cain in Genesis 4? He harboured hatred and jealousy in his heart towards Abel. He was angry for the wrong reasons. Murder grows from anger and always starts with our hearts.

Is there someone who seems to make you angry no matter what he does? A sibling? This is what Jesus means by being angry without cause. Our hearts are filled with pride and envy, and so we let small, trivial matters provoke us easily. We refuse to let the matter go even though we know it’s a very minor issue. We become angry and shout just to show that we are right and the person is wrong. In our anger, we deliberately want to hurt others and make them feel bad. All sorts of names and mean words start to come out from our lips.

Jesus says that such hatred and anger is the same as breaking the commandment “Thou shalt not kill”. This is a serious sin because it breaks our fellowship with God. If there is any conflict between you and someone else, your offerings of worship and service will not be accepted by God! Jesus tells us to first make peace with the other person, before coming back to worship God. It doesn’t matter whose fault it is. Don’t wait for him to approach you. You can be the one to approach him. If it’s your fault, sincerely apologise without making any excuse. If you were the one offended, will you let the matter go and forgive him? Too hard to do? Not if you remember: Wasn’t it Jesus who first approached you to save you? Wasn’t it Jesus who first loved and forgave you?

Thought: Do I harbor anger and hatred in my heart?

Prayer: Father in heaven, forgive me for I have sinned. I pray that you will help me to make peace with those I have offended. Please fill my heart with love and help me to control my anger. In Jesus’ name, Amen.