Putting Away Anger

Sometimes it can be so very easy to get terribly angry at someone.  We all know the deep feelings of being angry.  There are probably people or some experiences that are coming to your mind right now that have caused you to be angry.  It is so very easy to get angry at times.  It can be hard to show love to those around us especially those who don't seem to like us or vice versa.

The Lord Jesus was talking to His disciples one day a mountain side during what we call the sermon on the mount and Jesus started talking about what the Scripture says about murder and how it is wrong.  Jesus takes it a step farther by saying that if we even have anger in our hearts against someone then we are guilty of murder.  I wonder how many people we slay in our hearts during rush hour traffic while trying to get to work.

Matthew 5:21-26

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. 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.

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.

We need to love one another as Jesus so greatly loves us.  When we have anger and hatred towards another person dwelling in our hearts it is impossible to show love to them or even to relate to them.  The Lord calls us to forgive each other just as He as forgiven us so greatly by sending Jesus to die on the Cross for our sins once and for all.

When we harbor anger and hatred for another person we fail to treat them like a human being who is also made in the image of Almighty God.  We are told in Scripture that we are to love the Lord with all of our hearts, minds, bodies, and soul and we are also told to love our neighbor as ourselves.

Let us forgive one another and love one another as the Lord loves us. 

May we put away anger and hostility and start loving God and others as we are called to do.

Lord,

Forgive us for not loving others as we should.

Search us O God and know our hearts and see if there is any wicked way within us and then lead us in a way that focuses on eternal things.

Renew our faith in You O Lord and help us to love one another as You love us.

We praise Your name.

In Jesus name we pray,

Amen.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=20JLGMLX2RY  (Link to the First Baptist Church Service in Houlton, Maine.)