JESUS, THE JUDGE OF ANGER!

“But I say, if you are even angry with someone, you are subject to judgement.  If you call someone an idiot, you are in danger of being brought before the court.  And if you curse someone, you are in danger of the fires of hell.”  Matthew 5:22

Wow, what comments by Jesus.  He dissects anger in such a detailed and strong way. It is easy to become angry, but it is not so easy to hold back our anger.  Anger is not a characteristic that Jesus displays to us.  Instead, he shows passion, love, peace of mind and understanding.  As we try to paint our lives to reflect those same values as our Lord wants us to live, the world offers us many obstacles that stand in our way.  We may have an employee that is obstinate and tests our rage.  We may have a family member that stands for something that we don’t believe in at all.  No matter the circumstances we are to develop patience and show love for our enemies and neighbors.  Yes, that is quite difficult.  What we must remember is that we are human and not perfect.  We will get angry; we will tell someone to go somewhere that we don’t want to go, and we may even get tested to the point that we throw a punch.  What we have to remember is that our Lord is a compassionate and forgiving God.  He knows of our faults, and he is willing and ready to forgive and forget.  It is our attitude that our Lord is looking at.  It is our intent and our repentance that he is looking for.  We must live our lives, but we must live them with the Lord our God in the front of the line directing our thoughts and actions.  If we do this then our anger will subside.  PRAISE THE LORD IN ALL THINGS!