Jesus, I Want to Love You Part 2Sýnishorn

Read Matthew 5:21-26, Luke 6:37-38, and Galatians 5:19-26.

JESUS’ MEASURE FOR ANGER

Do you have any grievances with anyone? Have you done everything possible to restore any broken relationships? How do you handle your anger toward your spouse How many things are you angry or frustrated about?

Theologian D.A. Carson states, “There is no clear distinction between the person with seething anger, the one who insultingly calls his brother a fool, and the one who prefers, as his term of abuse, Raca.” In the past, have you made a distinction between these “degrees” of anger? What has your response been to others in regard to the Scriptures you read?

The term “raca” means imbecile, fool, blockhead. The expression “fiery hell” comes from the Hebrew word meaning “the Valley of Hinnom.” This was a ravine south of Jerusalem once associated with the pagan god Molech and his disgusting rites, including child sacrifice and fornication. Later on, the valley was converted into a dumping ground for filth and the corpses of criminals. Even as late as the first century it may still have been used as a garbage pit, complete with smoldering fires. Because of these fires, the valley came to symbolize the place of eternal punishment, and the phrase “gehenna of fire” was used to express this (slightly modified from William Barclay, The New Daily Study Bible).

The hard truth is, we actually deserve to go to hell for unjustified anger! But Christ bore even the sin of our anger on the cross, so we must trust in Him to be free from this penalty. Then He provides strength to free us from anger’s presence.

What does Jesus tell us to do with our anger?

How many of the sins listed in the Galatians passage are related to anger and bitterness? What fruit of the Spirit can you exercise instead the next time you are angry?

As you meet with the Lord today, pray about what pushes your buttons. When is it most difficult for you to manage your anger or respond with grace and patience? Don’t be afraid to be honest. Choose one of these areas to focus on. Ask the Lord for His plan and His help to address it, to not let anger fester and grow, and to instead exhibit the fruit of the Spirit.