Anger

[Matthew 5:21-26]

Anger is an emotion that can be complicated. From personal experience, I know that anger can be a fuel to itself, until it becomes a destructive fire. No one benefits from giving into their anger, whether they be on the giving or receiving end.

Some of you, in fact I expect most of you, have been deeply hurt at one point in their life. That scar is still tender to touch. You want to hold onto your anger because it empowers you. You feel that if you become this unreasonable woman, there is no way - no way - that you can be hurt again. That's what you promise yourself, that you will never be hurt again.

But how long does that last? And what's more, into what type of person does that make you? Bitterness upon bitterness builds up in your heart, until you find it hard to love. That is not the women you were call to be. That is the woman the devil wants you to be, a force that he can use for his purpose. But you were called to God's purpose. He created you to love and be loved. And if you can love in the face of hatred, well, then people will call you "the sons of God" (remember verse 10?).

That is why Jesus equates anger with murder here. Because anger not only is the beginning of murder, but kills something inside of you- the ability to forgive. Feeding into anger is not healthy. Most therapists offer the same advice Jesus gives, to go and make reconciliation with whoever "has something against you." The advice is practical; it saves you from punishment later on (see verses 25, 26).

Practicality aside, it is the wisest option. Whatever side you're on, whether you caused the problem or were affected from it, yielding to anger is never the option. The Bible says, "Be angry and do not sin." (Psalm 4:4) Pray today that God give you the ability to forgive and make amends, that you may be able to continue to walk in His perfect will.

God bless,

Alisha