Matthew 5:21-22
Jesus provided such great teaching that day on that hillside above the Sea of Galilee. He explained the true depths of the commandments to his followers. Whoever is angry is just like a murderer---guilty enough to go to hell. The sixth commandment is “Thou shall not murder.” Exodus 20:13. In an angry moment a person can “murder” someone’s reputation or their own. They can wish that someone were dead---mentally taking their life, but murder is forbidden.
Anger is a normal human emotion. God tells us in Ephesians 4:26 to be angry and not sin. Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry. So its OK to feel anger, but deal with it that day, otherwise it will create a wall (a barrior) between you, others, and God. James 1:19 tells us that we should be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger. If you listen, really listen---and paraphrase back to the person what they are saying (active listening) in an open communication style, then it is likely that you won’t speak too quickly and stick your foot in your mouth.
Digest those words---“quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger.” Dealing with anger and following Jesus’ sermon may keep you out of hell---here on earth! Think about that and rejoice in the glory days ahead!
Lord, if I get anger today, help me not to do anything stupid, like eating my shoe. Help me to express myself in a way that conveys my feelings and communicates a way for the situation to change.
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