ANGER AND BITTERNES

Dining with Jesus Christian Episodes

THIS IS TABLE ROCK FELLOWSHIP – PASTOR RYAN LADEN

Internalized

In our continued study of the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew chapters 5, 6, and 7) we moved into a set of teaching from the Lord Jesus Christ that seek to show us how the law and the prophets have been fulfilled and expanded.

In these upcoming teachings we hear more about how Jesus Christ seeks to help his followers see that the truth of God and the message of his Word has indeed been written in our minds and on our hearts.

We can hear this internalization in the following:

“You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘Do not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’

But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment.”

Matthew 5:21-22 NIV-11

Fences

Have you have heard the old saying, “Good fences make good neighbors?”

As fences go (rules that govern our external behavior), this is a pretty good fence. Almost everyone on the planet would agree that murdering people is not good for our society and that it should be punished so as to deter this kind of egregious behavior from others.

In many ways, laws and rules can only really police our external actions, they are not very useful at identifying and correcting flaws in our hearts and attitudes. That is why laws are like fences. They show us where the limits are so that we can avoid being punished.

Heart

In verse 22, we hear that the Lord Jesus moves on from the good fence and focuses on the motivations of the heart. Anger, hatred, bitterness, spite, these are all caustic and destructive emotions and attitudes. They poison their owners from within.

When Jesus speaks about anger in this teaching, he is helping us see that the Lord wants his people to do more than just not murder one another. The Lord wants his people to be rid of anger and bitterness. To reject these poisons. Jesus Christ is challenging our hearts.

Suffering

If we ignore the call of the Christ in this teaching, we will be opening the door in our own hearts for real and lasting pain. If we embrace anger, hold grudges, count the wrongs of those around us, we are the ones who will suffer the most.

Instead of wallowing in the mire of misanthropy (habitual anger and overall grumpiness), we need to see that such a life will not be a joy to live, nor will it be a joy to others. As caustic and poisonous as anger held close to the heart is for the individual, it is absolutely destructive for the family, for the spouse, or for the church of those stuck in their spite.

Reflect

· As we go through this day, let us be honest with the Lord about the anger that we are carrying around in our hearts.

· Be real with God about your need to unclench your fist and let go of these hurts and offenses.

· Consider the concluding words of the Apostle Paul as heard below:

“Do not be overcome by evil,
but overcome evil with good.”

Romans 12:21 NIV-11


Prayer

Lord Jesus Christ,
help me overcome the evil that has hurt me.

Help me to let go of this pain and hurt
that I have held onto for so long.

Help me see that you will avenge
and that you will heal.

Amen

In Christ,

Ryan Laden

OUR MISSION AS A CHURCH

“TO ENCOURAGE AND EQUIP EACH OTHER IN LOVE TO KNOW JESUS AND MAKE HIM KNOWN”

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