The Rebuild: Matthew 5-7Sample

We live in an age of instant information. Instant news. Instant opinion. Our knowledge of the multitudes of wrongs committed across the globe has never been so saturated. Without careful and wise steps, we can be overwhelmed by the evil of our world. However, there is a ‘right’ anger that can arise as we look at the evil around us.

In Ephesians 4, Paul commands his readers to “be angry and do not sin”. How do we align this with Christ’s warnings about anger leading to hatred and murder in our hearts? We take Paul’s instruction seriously - “do not let the sun go down on your anger”. In other words, give the anger which is welling up inside of you into the hands of the only one who can do anything about the sufferings and injustices that we face in this broken world.

Those who have been rescued by the gospel will feel a ‘righteous anger’, a righteous welling up on the inside that injustices and suffering must be accounted for. There are opportunities for us to contribute to the betterment of the world but we must not lose sight of God’s promise that one day He will “wipe away every tear” (Rev 21).

Today, ponder this: What issues of the world, politics and news make you angry? How much time do you spend talking, debating and posting about these issues? What would it look like practically in your life to instead spend your time and efforts knowing more about Jesus and making Jesus known?