Remember to Love

Matthew 5:21-22 “You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘Do not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ 22 But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, ‘Raca,’ is answerable to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of Hell.”
 
1 Corinthians 13:4  “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.”
 
Galatians 5:22-23 “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”
  
JESUS’ teaching regarding anger is a wakeup call to all of us, isn’t it? We often look upon anger as an emotion that someone else causes in us. “I’m angry because he insulted me.” “I’m angry it’s raining, and it has ruined my plans today.”
   But anger always comes from within us. Anger is most often a sinful response to the things that interrupt our desires. Anger, too, always leads to some level of destruction. It can chip away at a relationship or even cause permanent breakups between friends, partners and spouses. Our anger can even turn us from God because he didn’t answer our prayers as we wanted. That’s why Jesus speaks against using such words as “raca”, which means “worthless or empty one”. This is verbal abuse, minimizing and negating human value. Such language becomes the same as murder because it undercuts human worth. Jesus also teaches anger left unconfessed, will lead to punishment in the torment of Hell.
   Consider now the two passages above from Paul’s letters to the churches in Corinth and Galatia. These are a good teacher’s words to help you to know the righteous way. How powerful is patience! A moment of patience prevents hours and even years of anger and separation. A bit of kindness can open one’s own heart and that of another to reconciliation. When you do not envy, you are content. Anger moves out of the heart when contentment moves in. Prideful boasting becomes humble confession as love reigns to guide your heart, mind and voice to peace.
   The Spirit’s fruit, too, is a full antidote to anger and self-focus. With God’s love, you live in joy, controlling your emotions to live faithfully in God’s goodness.
   Yes, you can decide to be angry. Or you can decide to love others. Which life do you want?  
 
Psalms 4:4 In your anger do not sin;
when you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent.
 
Ephesians 4:26 “In your anger do not sin”. Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 and do not give the devil a foothold.