Village Schools of the Bible

WHAT DOES ANGER HARM? PART TWO
Matthew 5:21-26

In our previous visit, we began to understand that one of the harmful effects of anger was directed toward ourselves. That anger was really a product of our selfish desires and ambitions. And, although we might hurl insulting remarks to others, we really hurt ourselves more deeply when do so.

Now, in verses 23 and 24, Jesus states that anger is very damaging to our worship of God. Listen to what Jesus says. As long as there is internal sin, like anger or harboring resentment toward another person, all outward acts of worship will not be acceptable to God. Sometimes we come to worship not only as strangers but as being estranged from each other. Jesus is reminding us that at the heart of worship is our relationship, not only with God, but with one another. What do we need to enhance worship today? It is not better music or better buildings or better preaching, but better relationships between those who come to worship.

Finally, in verses 25 and 26, Jesus proclaims that anger also is very damaging to our relationships with others. In these verses Jesus is teaching that, if a dispute between individuals is not healed immediately, it can go on breeding until it becomes a raging fire. Someone has said that bitterness breeds bitterness. I remember being in a situation one time with two families who had a strong dislike for each other. As we sat down to examine the reasons for such animosity, it was discovered that the root of those feelings lay with a business transaction which had happened forty years previously. Oh the joys when forgiveness was experienced and reconciliation between brothers in Christ was achieved. A man cannot be right with God unless he has first made things right with his fellow man.

So, how should we handle anger? First, we must admit that we have an angry spirit. We have to stop making excuses for it. Secondly, we must ask God to change our hearts because only He can do that. This will happen as we surrender ourselves each day to God and allow ourselves to be empowered with His Spirit. Finally, whenever we become angry, we must have a plan to act upon that spirit of anger. It might be taking a walk around the block. It might be going to the driving range and hitting a few golf balls. I like to go into my garden and pull a few weeds. Your anger needs to be diverted into something other than lashing out at the person with whom you are angry.

The Old Testament law commanded the people not to commit murder. Jesus amplified that law by commanding the people to keep their angry spirits under the control of God. The counsel of the Apostle Paul to the Ephesians is always appropriate: Do no let the sun go down upon your wrath.

Father, in these days of study You have admonished us that anger can damage so many relationships, to ourselves as well as with others and in our worship of You. Father, forgive us for any bitterness that we might harbor toward another. Give us courage to approach that person and seek forgiveness and reconciliation that our joys might be restored. Help us to cast off anger and cloth ourselves with a spirit of patience and longsuffering. For this we will give You praise, for it is in Christ’s name we pray. Amen.

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