NO BIBLE NO BREAKFAST DAILY BIBLE REFLECTIONS AND MORE

REFLECTION

The theme for our reflection is “appetite for anger”. An appetite is a strong desire. Anger, on the other hand, is a strong feeling of annoyance, displeasure, or hostility. The theme can, therefore, be rephrased as a strong desire to express one’s feelings of annoyance, displeasure, or hatred. In Matthew 5:21–24, Jesus teaches concerning anger and its effect on the believer’s spiritual life.

First, Jesus makes reference to the law concerning murder and its punishment, but more importantly, He establishes a new rule about anger, which He likens to murder. “You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment.” (Matthew 5:21–22) The existing law deals with the outcome of anger—which may be murder—but does not address the root cause, which is the anger itself. Uncontrolled anger often leads to violence, verbal abuse, or even murder; therefore, Jesus explains that it is impossible to be angry with your brother or sister without harbouring evil in your heart. A person’s appetite for anger leads to evil, and such a person stands to be judged. In other words, once anger corrupts your mind with evil, you are no longer capable of pleasing God. You become far more likely to sin against your neighbour and your Creator.

Second, the sins of murder and verbal abuse born out of anger are given the same weight of punishment. Regarding both murder and anger, Jesus says you “will be in danger of the fire of hell.” (Matthew 5:22) According to mordern legal systems, all crimes are not equal, but in Jesus’ teaching, the same anger that drives one to commit murder is the same anger that leads another to commit verbal abuse—insulting a person by calling them “Raca” (a nonentity) or a “fool!” (Matthew 5:22).

God judges both the destructive intention and the evil act that flows from it. Dear friend, with this revelation, we must control our appetite for anger because God judges not only our actions but also our thoughts and emotions towards our brothers and sisters.

Thirdly, we must overcome our tendency to harbour anger and strive to resolve issues and reconcile with others before approaching the house of God to pray and offer our sacrifices. Our offerings—including the presentation of our very bodies—are made unwholesome or unacceptable by unresolved hostility. Our worship is incomplete when we remain at odds with others. Paul admonishes us: “Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.” (Ephesians 4:26–27).

No matter how strong your appetite for anger may be, it must have a limit and must not be allowed to linger. The longer anger dwells within us, the more our intentions become corrupted. For this reason, Jesus teaches that God will not accept your offering in any form unless you first deal with the anger: “…leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.” (Matthew 5:24).

Consider how many times our offerings may have been spiritually rejected because we appeared before Him while nursing grudges. Anger and unforgiveness may prevent many from entering the Kingdom of God. Jesus cautions us: “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’” (Matthew 7:21–23).

Perhaps the only “evil” ever committed was to hate someone, refuse to forgive them, or wish for their downfall because of an appetite for anger. While that person may have truly offended you, remember that nursing that anger destroys your relationship with God. We are assured: “Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:19–21).

It is often difficult to let go, but in all things, Jesus teaches us to pray: “‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” (Matthew 6:9–10). May we always seek to do God’s will rather than our own. Shalom.

PRAYER

Heavenly Father, we thank You for the piercing truth of Your Word, which reveals the state of our hearts. Lord, we confess that we have often allowed an appetite for anger to take root within us, allowing bitterness to cloud our judgment and disrupt our fellowship with You.

Forgive us for the times we have presented our offerings while harbouring malice toward others. Grant us the humility to seek reconciliation and the grace to forgive those who have wronged us. Help us to “overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:21) and to guard our hearts against the foothold of the enemy. Transform our spirits so that we may live in peace and reflect Your love in all our relationships.

We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

---