Matthew 5:21-26
You know that our ancestors were told, “Do not murder” and “A murderer must be brought to trial.” But I promise you that if you are angry with someone, you will have to stand trial. If you call someone a fool, you will be taken to court. And if you say that someone is worthless, you will be in danger of the fires of hell.
So if you are about to place your gift on the altar and remember that someone is angry with you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. Make peace with that person, then come back and offer your gift to God.
Before you are dragged into court, make friends with the person who has accused you of doing wrong. If you don’t, you will be handed over to the judge and then to the officer who will put you in jail. I promise you that you will not get out until you have paid the last cent you owe.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
There are two things in our culture that seem to bring out the worst in people… sporting events and political elections! In both cases, people who claim to be obedient, filled-with-grace Christians give the impression that they are filled with anger. Name calling looks as if it is second nature. The refs are “idiots.” Candidates are called names I cannot even repeat. And the level of pure hatred that appears to emanate from every pore of many is disconcerting at best – and downright scary in some cases. You’ve heard the phrase, “If looks could kill, I’d be dead!” I’ve seen that look in the eyes of more than one person who was upset over a bad call at a ballgame – or those of someone speaking about the other party’s candidate!
I have to believe that God is so deeply disappointed in all of us. Clearly, we do not understand what Jesus has taught us… that anger is as much a sin as murder itself! And I will be the first to admit that I am not immune to name calling…as much as I would like to be. However, I have become more aware of how distasteful this is to God… how disrespectful we are when we lash out at another of His children. And I have to say, I think am doing a better job of catching myself before my thoughts and feelings become outward words and actions. It’s a step in the right direction… but I also need to corral my thoughts. And I’m betting you do, also.
We cannot “have it our way.” Jesus is not Burger King. If we are truly Disciples of Christ… if we really want to please God and serve Him honorably, we must get a handle on our anger. We must control our tongue. We must put a stop to body language that exudes disapproval, disgust, or revulsion of others. Yes, Jesus got angry. And yes, there is a time and place for anger about certain situations… abuses and mistreatments of others, for instance – or disrespect for God and His creation. But lashing out at another and calling him/her names, cursing, gesturing or even giving dirty looks does not accomplish anything except making us look like fools.
What is the solution? Jesus! When you are angry, go to a private corner and tell Him how you feel. Call on the Holy Spirit to calm you – to act like a balm on your heart and smooth out your ruffled feathers. Ask Him to show you how to proceed in a logical, loving manner that reflects the grace and mercy of God. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide your thoughts and actions… the words you speak – and those you write in places like social media. Make every word and action count for Jesus… and reflect your love and respect for the One who has given everything on your account.
Strive for the day when anger and hatred have no place in your heart. When you can begin to operate without these emotions, you will know that the Holy Spirit is alive and well in you… and so will everyone else.
©2012 Debbie Robus
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