“You’re familiar with the commandment that the older generation was taught, ‘Do not murder or you will be judged.’ But I’m telling you, if you hold anger in your heart toward a fellow believer, you are subject to judgment. And whoever calls down curses upon a fellow believer is in danger of being sent to a fiery hell. So then, if you are presenting a gift before the altar in the temple and suddenly you remember a quarrel you have with a fellow believer, leave your gift there in front of the altar and go at once to apologize with the one who is offended. Then, after you have reconciled, come to the altar and present your gift. It is always better to come to terms with the one who wants to sue you before you go to trial, or you may be found guilty by the judge, and he will hand you over to the officers, who will throw you into prison. Believe me, you won’t get out of prison until you have paid the full amount!” Matthew 5:21-26 TPT
God is love, making anger the opposite of everything he stands for. Anger is a sin because of all the hurt that can follow, violating His commandment to love one another. Anger, so many times, can lead to bitterness, much like what we are witnessing in today’s world. It is not possible to be filled with the love of God while holding on to anger.
In this passage, Jesus is explaining the importance of living our lives in love for one another, first to our God, then to seek his love throughout our families, friends, and neighbors, leaving no room for the emotion of hatred to set in. He tells us that regardless of the circumstance, as His children, we cannot hold anger in our hearts, instead through His love, peace can be ours in the asking. Heavenly Father, help us to remember the importance of living with love for one another, so that the dreaded emotion of anger will not take hold, and we are ever so thankful.
In Christ Love
Margaret