Anger and More

As we continue the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus refers to a commandment in the Old Law about murder. He sets a new standard here. 

Matthew 5:21-26 NIV

[21]  “You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ [22] But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment. 

He is saying that everyone knows you're not supposed to murder anyone. But he takes it a step further by saying do not even be angry with people. This is in harmony with what James would write years later.

James 1:19-20 NIV

[19] My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, [20] because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.

Do not let anger be in your life because it does not "produce the righteousness God desires." Other versions say, "the anger of man does not work the righteousness of God."

So, while the Old Law says do not murder, Jesus says do not even get angry with anyone. Why? Because anger is a tiny little seed that can grow into so many things such as hate, rage, malice, slander, gossip, vengence, bitterness, jealousy, wrath, and various other negative things that can potentially explode into actual murder. Look at Cain and Able where the first murder took place. 

Genesis 4:1-8 NIV

[1] Adam made love to his wife Eve, and she became pregnant and gave birth to Cain. She said, “With the help of the Lord I have brought forth a man.” [2] Later she gave birth to his brother Abel. Now Abel kept flocks, and Cain worked the soil. [3] In the course of time Cain brought some of the fruits of the soil as an offering to the Lord. [4] And Abel also brought an offering—fat portions from some of the firstborn of his flock. The Lord looked with favor on Abel and his offering, [5] but on Cain and his offering he did not look with favor. So Cain was very angry, and his face was downcast. [6] Then the Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast? [7] If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it.” [8] Now Cain said to his brother Abel, “Let’s go out to the field.” While they were in the field, Cain attacked his brother Abel and killed him.

See? It started with Cain getting very angry that his offering was not accepted and Abel's was. Then his anger turned into jealousy, and grew out of control, and then Cain murdered Abel. 

So, Jesus is saying do not even let the seed of anger get planted in your heart. Because it can grow ultimately into the worst thing which is murder. So, negativity, anger, losing our temper, etc. are seeds that can explode into horrible things like murder. Do not let any of those take root in you.

He furthers this thought in the following verses:

"Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘Raca,’ is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell."

Now, here, "Raca," is a term of contempt, which is the same as calling someone a bad name, as well as calling someone a "fool." Here Jesus is saying do not even call anyone a bad name. 

He is saying do not let any of these negative behaviors take root in you, because they can grow and spiral out of control. It all starts with that tiny little seed of anger. 

[23]  “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, [24] leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift. [25]  “Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court. Do it while you are still together on the way, or your adversary may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison. [26] Truly I tell you, you will not get out until you have paid the last penny.

Here He says if you have offended someone, go make things right with them. Resolve conflict quickly, or it can grow into worse things.

Remember, we are God's children, and He works through us so others can be saved too. So, anger cannot be a part of our lives. It cannot be in our spirit, or allowed to grow there, because it totally defeats God's purpose for our lives. Our purpose: Love God and love people, so they can be saved too.

Romans 13:10 NIV

[10] Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.

Being angry, losing your temper, and a host of other negative things do not serve any purpose at all for us. So, do not let those seeds take root in your spirit.

No Anger!!

Love you all dear readers,

Jeffrey Post