It’s A Heart Issue

- Resentful Bitter Anger Is Murder

- Discrimination Is Murder

- Racism Is Murder

- Character Assassination Is Murder

Who Are You Cursing?

- We rediscover the humanity of

the person who wronged us

- We surrender the right to get

even.

- We wish them well

Jesus’ words brought a radical change to the sense of righteousness. He challenged that while a person may not have committed the actual crime, within the letter of the law, but what about the spirit of the law? He was saying that the deed is initiated by the head and the heart.

1. What is your experience with the power of a rumor?

2. Why do you think Jesus linked anger with the crime of murder?

Murder, according to Jesus, is not merely the ending of another person’s physical life. In some respects, that might even be the kinder thing to do. It can be far more painful and hurtful to be the object of another person’s anger, discrimination, or character assassination.

3. Ephesians 4:26 says, “in your anger do not sin.” When does anger become sinful?

The Greek language, in which the New Testament was written, had two words which are translated as anger in English: “Thumos” described anger or wrath that flares up quickly, and then dies down; it does not last or linger. The other word, “orgē,” described the kind of anger that is long-lived and cultivated—frequently with a view to revenge. Passive aggression might be a manifestation of this type of anger. It was this orgē kind of anger that Jesus referred to as being equivalent to murder.

4. How would you explain the freedom mentioned in following passages to someone who feels burdened with the pain of unforgiveness? 2 Corinthians 5:21; John 8:36; Luke 19:10.

5. Tell about an experience of reconciliation with someone that brought renewal in your relationship with God?

The Gospel - the Good News of Jesus - is that we are forgiven by God. Because we are forgiven, through the Spirit of God we have been given the power to forgive. As Pastor David said this weekend, “No forgiveness, no freedom. In forgiveness, there is freedom. Freedom to love and be loved.”

6. The last few weeks we have been talking about the pathway to living the words of Jesus as: Surrender - Follow - Listen - DoOf these 4 areas, which do you struggle with most? Which is your strongest area? How does it impact the other areas?