21. "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.
Anger is the strong emotion of displeasure that can be caused by threat of harm. There is nothing wrong with that. In fact, if we are threatened there are certain biological reactions to danger that are natural and normal.
Righteous anger can be caused by injustice toward another victim. Jesus was angry on a few occasions, yet the Scriptures teach He was without sin. God reveals that He is a God of wrath when injustice is done against the poor, the hungry, or the innocent. Jesus is filled with righteous anger over sin. When He was in the temple, He saw people making a mockery out of sacrifices by selling them at extreme profits and keeping those restricted to that area of the temple from praying. Jesus upset the tables and called the people names. Their sin was against God.
Sinful anger comes from jealousy, frustration of not getting our way, lack of patience, and selfishness. The Greek word here has to do with brooding and boiling with resentment toward another. Anger can be increased, as many of you know, when you are physically tired, or when you go through extreme embarrassment, or for not being able to accomplish a desired goal or if you feel rejection.
Scriptures say in Ephesians 4:26-27 "In your anger do not sin": Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.” There are expressions of anger that are sinful, and ways to be angry without sinning. One way is to resolve it and not let bad feelings continue to eat you up. A healthy response comes from recognizing our anger and confessing it to God and to others. Seek forgiveness for it if it is selfish and sinful. We need to pray about it and refer it to God. Admit it, pray about it, and seek someone to talk to about it to resolve it.
When I was in training in a psych ward doing an independent study, I became more aware of the emotional, mental, and physical damage unresolved anger can do to Christians. I emphasize Christians because there is the belief that some think good Christians should never get mad. I'm not so sure that is the teaching of this verse, as it is how we might handle our anger in a Christian manner.
I was talking with a lady who shared her feelings about another person. She said things for which she was sorry. Finally, she prayed and made a decision. Anger is a choice in this instance. She concluded, the lady didn't make her mad, she chose to get upset with her. She told me in the future when she feels this way she will acknowledge her feelings, think about them but choose to act in a different manner. She did not lose her temper. She did not ignore it but chose to calmly address the issue with another person to resolve it.
Application: Jesus challenges us to look at the anger in the heart. Handle your anger in a manner that does not give the devil an opportunity to control you or do damage to another.
Prayer: Father, as I trust in You for everything, strengthen me to surrender any anger that seeks to settle in my heart.
