Anger Management
Did you know that murder is committed by many people every day without the person? Matthew 5:21-26 indicates that murder is not a self-produced event; it results from an anger process. Murder is
the outward expression of an inward heart condition. We must recognize anger’s products, and deal with them. First, we need to watch for anger—“everyone who is angry with his brother.” (v. 22a) “Angry” means to be provoked to wrath by another. When you yourself have been spared God’s wrath by Jesus Christ, to then harbor wrath in your heart for another deserves judgment. Second, we need to watch for scorn—“whoever insults his brother.” (v. 22b) Anger can prompt us to say some thoughtless things. The Greek word here is ‘raka’, meaning empty-headed or stupid: a term of contempt. Losing control in anger is a dangerous thing in your relations with others. Third, we need to watch for insults—“whoever says, ‘You fool!’” (v. 22c) This term means morally worthless. Because it is an attack on a person’s character, it reveals a person out of control. Jesus declared this is deserving of hell fire. The term ‘gehenna’ referred to a garbage dump outside the city of Jerusalem, where the fire burned continually. It is a good symbol for hell: Gehenna is the “lake of fire” Fourth, we need to watch for grudges—“Be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.” (v. 24) Jesus is teaching correct worship. How many churches would temporarily empty if this command was taken seriously? Fifth, we need to watch for vengeance—“lest your accuser hand you over to the judge.” (v. 25) Jesus gave a picture of getting the situation even by lawsuit. These are not five different sins, but progressions of the same anger. If you have a problem with anyone, that relationship is flawed. God forgave you and turned away His wrath. Shouldn’t you do the same thing?
Sin cera, Erik
Erik O. Garthe is Associate Pastor at Canton Baptist Church in Baltimore, Maryland.