January 9, 2022 – Letting Go of Anger
Matthew 5:21-26
Anger is an emotional fire that burns whenever life is not what we think it should be. And while God at times burns with a righteous anger, humans almost exclusively swing to unrighteous anger. As Christ ministers to our spirits, however, we find release from our anger, an ability to forgive, and a capacity to enjoy a life in which love replaces anger and reconciliation replaces animosity.
Matthew 5:21-26 [Jesus said,] 21 “You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.’ 22 But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother[c] will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be liable to the hell of fire. 23 So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, 24 leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. 25 Come to terms quickly with your accuser while you are going with him to court, lest your accuser hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the guard, and you be put in prison. 26 Truly, I say to you, you will never get out until you have paid the last penny.”