In this message, Rod Edwards unpacks Jesus’ teachings on anger. He comments that these teachings point us to values and principles, as opposed to the letter of the law, and how much easier it is just to have a black and white checklist than to have to ponder our more hidden motivations and emotions. God, however, is interested in the heart. And in our hearts we can murder. We can murder when anger is long-lived, nursed and brooded on, fed on and festering (“orginesthai”) - it can ruin families and relationships. Anger is also dangerous when it insults and demeans, when it assumes superiority and sees others as less than us (“raca”). And anger is like murder when it attacks the moral integrity of people and belittles them, it destroys others’ reputations and integrity (“moros”). These types of anger are so serious they are like killing people, according to Jesus.

Of course, anger is a normal, human emotion. Even Jesus got angry. But his anger was righteous, prophetic, a calling out of evil, aimed at giving life to people. Anger is a common emotion, but it easily goes wrong. So Rod invites us to ponder some good actions to take in the face of rising anger: don’t hide from it, do something constructive about it, respond with gentleness, extend grace to others, and check ourselves as well. Breaking a cycle of anger can take time and practice, but taking a deep breath, turning our hearts to God in prayer when we feel anger rising is a great way to start.

“Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts..” Hebrews 3:15