“I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment.” (Matthew 5:22)
These are hard words. They address every one of us. Most of us can claim not to have murdered someone else, but none of us can realistically claim to have avoided anger – even the sinful, unjustified type.
Deep down inside, we know it’s probably wrong to harbor our own sense of vengeance, as though God gave us license to share in His omniscient judgments. But we’re only human, right? It’s a small sin, And Everyone Does It. Surely, it’s not equal to murder, is it?
Perhaps you’re familiar with the commentary to the words of Jesus which goes something like this: Murder begins in the heart; the anger we feel is the source of the crime. Yet isn’t there a difference between thinking the thoughts and acting on them? Why is Jesus so harsh toward this very natural response to injustice?
Jesus condemns our anger and judgment for at least two reasons: (1) It dishonors Him as the Judge of creation; it usurps His standards and places our own above them. And (2) It slanders someone created in His image! It is a mental murder of a divine image bearer, perhaps without physical consequences, but with character assassination and spiritual condemnation instead.
Anger accomplishes in the spirit what murder does in the flesh. It further degrades God’s fallen creation.
Parents of more than one child can imagine God’s perspective on human anger. Like God, we are generally sympathetic toward all our children. We may be angry over their actions at times, but it is a measured, understanding anger, motivated by a desire to redeem. Siblings, however, want their offended brother or sister to pay!
Jesus warns us that God’s children are siblings, not parents, and our perspective is grossly distorted. The Heavenly Father’s judgment is thorough and accurate, and it can be trusted. Leaving our anger to Him acknowledges that, worships Him for it, and respects His ability to redeem His image-bearers.
Have a peace-filled weekend. Make it better by worshiping The LORD with those who are very familiar with God’s patience and kindness, and live to display it to others in His honor.
All For Jesus – Nothing More, Nothing Less, Nothing Else.
Vic Alvarado 