Anger

May 12, 2019

The more we understand how God let go of His anger toward us, the more we'll let go of our anger toward others, and thereby point an angry world to Him. 

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^[a] will be liable to judgment; whoever insults^[b] his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be liable to the hell^[c] 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.

Matthew 5:21-26 ESV

• Who are you angry with today? Even if they have genuinely wronged you, is their sin against you more significant than your sin(s) against the Holy God, who poured out His infinite wrath for your sin on Jesus so as not to pour it out on you?
• Understanding that forgiving someone doesn't mean condoning their actions or not seeking justice; When will you let go of your anger, which Jesus says is driven by murderous hate that dishonors God, ruins you, and keeps you from shining His light in the world?  
• Imagine sitting at the foot of the cross with that person. How does this change your attitude toward them?