Matthew 5:21-26
Six times in this chapter Jesus refers back to the Mosaic Law saying, “You have heard that it was said…” before adding, “but I say…”. He is setting out God’s standards of righteousness for those who are part of His kingdom. In today’s passage of scripture He addresses the first area, which is unrighteous anger.
Exodus 20:13 says simply, “You shall not murder”, but Jesus highlights that murder does not come out of nowhere. It is the fruit of a wrong heart attitude that has been allowed to fester and it is relevant to all of us. The problem starts when someone does something to hurts or annoy us. At that point we must choose how to respond. If we do not forgive the offence quickly we sow the seeds of a root of bitterness which, if allowed to grow unhindered, can produce devastating results in our lives.
When we hold on to unforgiveness our hearts soon start to become hardened. That unforgiving attitude will turn into resentment and we may soon start to harbour thoughts of retaliation. From there it is a short step to the hostile, angry attitude that Jesus describes here. If fuel is added to the fire by meditating on the wrongs the other person is believed to have done, anger will build up and harden into hatred. The desire to cause pain to the hated person or people is likely to lead to violence and, eventually, to the final fruit of bitterness, which is murder.
Do you ever get angry? We need to recognise that it is a dangerous emotion. It is often likened to a volcano whose molten lava spills out and hurts those in its path. If you are prone to anger, whether it is expressed as uncontrolled outbursts or seething resentment, you need to recognise that it is a warning sign of a well-established bitter root in your life.
Hebrews 12:14-15 “Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord: [15] looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled…”
Most people try to justify their anger. They blame other people and feel that they have a right to be angry. There is such a thing as righteous anger that may be felt when God’s honour is attacked, or another person is being wronged but, when that is the case, the object of the anger is the wrongdoing – not the person doing it. When our anger is against people, in response to personal wrongs, the Bible makes it clear that it is never right – no matter what the provocation.
So what can you do if you recognise that anger is a problem in your life?
- The first step is to take ownership of your problem. We must recognise that our anger is a result of our own choices rather than the fault of the people who have hurt us.
- Then, ask God to reveal to you the roots of your anger. Sometimes the root is very deep, going all the way back into childhood. If we are ready to deal with it, the Holy Spirit will bring to mind any people and offences we need to forgive.
- Confess your sin to God and ask His forgiveness and help as you seek to rid yourself of anger.
- Make the choice to forgive every person with whom you are offended. This is a decision we make in obedience to God. It is not a matter of feelings. Forgiveness does not deny the wrong the other person has done but is a matter of stepping down from the position of judge and putting them in God’s hands.
- Stay close to God as you walk out the process. When old thought patterns arise, turn your mind instead to thanksgiving and praise. If new offences come choose to forgive quickly.
Prayer
Lord God,
I recognise that when I choose to hold onto unforgiveness against anyone, I am opening up a doorway for Satan to establish his purposes in my life. Please forgive me for my wrong attitude against others and help me to rid myself of all anger and thoughts of revenge. I ask you to reveal to me any root of bitterness in my life and help me to let go of all offences against me. I choose now to forgive ……….. .
Amen.
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