Before You Blow Up

Before You Blow Up: Understanding Anger and Reconciliation in God's Kingdom

In Matthew 5, Jesus continues His Sermon on the Mount by addressing how citizens of His kingdom should handle anger and reconciliation. While the religious leaders of the day focused on outward actions, Jesus takes us deeper - to the heart of the matter.

The Kingdom's Upside-Down Values

Jesus had been preaching "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand" (Matthew 4:17), and naturally, people wanted to know what this kingdom looked like. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus reveals that His kingdom operates differently from worldly kingdoms that value wealth, power, and glory.

After establishing the Beatitudes and explaining how Christians are to be salt and light in the world, Jesus clarifies that He didn't come to destroy the law but to fulfill it. Now, He takes us deeper by showing that actions aren't the starting point - they're the result of what's in our hearts.

What Does Jesus Say About Murder and Anger?

In Matthew 5:21-26, Jesus addresses the first of six examples about kingdom living. He begins with murder and anger:

"You have heard that it was said to those of old, 'You shall not murder, and whoever murders will be in danger of the judgment.' But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment."

Jesus isn't quoting the Ten Commandments directly but referencing how religious leaders had interpreted them. They focused solely on the physical act of murder and its legal consequences. But Jesus goes deeper, addressing the heart attitude that precedes the action.

Is All Anger Sinful?

Jesus distinguishes between types of anger. There is righteous anger - Jesus Himself displayed this when clearing the temple of money changers. Ephesians 4:26 confirms this: "Be angry and do not sin."

The problem isn't anger itself but what we do with it. Righteous anger focuses on sin and injustice. But our human tendency is to quickly move from righteous anger to personal attacks - from "that action is wrong" to "that person is worthless."

The Danger of Degrading Words

Jesus warns about calling someone "Raca" (meaning empty-headed or worthless) or "fool" (implying moral deficiency). These weren't just insults but attempts to degrade another person's value.

James 3:3-6 compares the tongue to:

- A bit that controls a horse

- A small rudder that steers a large ship

- A tiny spark that sets a forest ablaze

Our words reveal what's in our hearts. As Luke reminds us, "Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks." When we degrade others, we forget that every person is created in God's image (Genesis 1:27) and that we are all sinners saved by grace (Romans 3:23-24).

The Priority of Reconciliation

Jesus takes reconciliation so seriously that He says:

"Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift."

This is radical! Jesus says even if you've traveled far to bring your offering to God, if you remember someone has something against you (notice He doesn't say it's your fault), leave your gift and go reconcile first.

This teaches us that:

Reconciliation takes priority over religious rituals

We are responsible for pursuing peace even when we're not at fault

God cares more about our relationships than our religious performances

Why Reconcile Quickly?

Jesus urges us to "agree with your adversary quickly" because the longer we wait, the harder reconciliation becomes. Time has a way of hardening our hearts. We've all known people who have been feuding for so long they can't even remember why they're angry.

Romans 12:17-21 instructs us: "Repay no one evil for evil... If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men." We're called to overcome evil with good, not to seek vengeance.

Life Application

God doesn't give us rules to exert power over us but guidelines for living in right relationship with Him and others. Here are some practical ways to apply Jesus' teaching:

- Monitor your heart: Pay attention to anger before it becomes bitterness. Ask yourself: "Am I harboring resentment toward anyone?"

- Watch your words: Before speaking in anger, pause and consider if your words build up or tear down. Ask: "Would Jesus say what I'm about to say?"

- Prioritize reconciliation: Is there someone you need to reconcile with? Don't wait - take the initiative even if you weren't at fault. Ask: "Who might have something against me that I need to address?"

- Seek the Holy Spirit's help: We can't control our anger or pursue reconciliation in our own strength. Ask: "Am I relying on God's power or my own to handle conflict?"

Remember, living in God's kingdom means guarding your heart, because from it flow the issues of life. When we allow the Holy Spirit to transform our hearts, our words and actions will follow.