Daily Devotion

Anger.

I am still continuing with Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount: 

“You’re familiar with the command to the ancients, ‘Do not murder.’ I’m telling you that anyone who is so much as angry with a brother or sister is guilty of murder. Carelessly call a brother ‘idiot!’ and you just might find yourself hauled into court. Thoughtlessly yell ‘stupid!’ at a sister and you are on the brink of hellfire. The simple moral fact is that words kill. 

“This is how I want you to conduct yourself in these matters. If you enter your place of worship and, about to make an offering, you suddenly remember a grudge a friend has against you, abandon your offering, leave immediately, go to this friend and make things right. Then and only then, come back and work things out with God. 

“Or say you’re out on the street and an old enemy accosts you. Don’t lose a minute. Make the first move; make things right with him. After all, if you leave the first move to him, knowing his track record, you’re likely to end up in court, maybe even jail. If that happens, you won’t get out without a stiff fine.” Matthew‬ ‭5:21-26‬ (msg)

Can you even imagine for a moment, living in a world free from anger – not just murder – but all anger? How good God’s plans truly are for us and all creation. When I read about His Goodness, it makes me want to sink deeper into His will – freeing me from me. 

Lord, let it be so! Amen.