PRAYER

God, giver of life. Teach us to slow down and be aware of our thoughts and emotions. Help us to take each thought captive and make it obedient to Your Word. Amen.

READING

Matthew 5:21-26 (The Message)

^21-22 “You’re familiar with the command to the ancients, ‘Do not murder.’ I’m telling you that anyone who is so much as angry with a brother or sister is guilty of murder. Carelessly call a brother ‘idiot!’ and you just might find yourself hauled into court. Thoughtlessly yell ‘stupid!’ at a sister and you are on the brink of hellfire. The simple moral fact is that words kill.

^23-24 “This is how I want you to conduct yourself in these matters. If you enter your place of worship and, about to make an offering, you suddenly remember a grudge a friend has against you, abandon your offering, leave immediately, go to this friend and make things right. Then and only then, come back and work things out with God.

^25-26 “Or say you’re out on the street and an old enemy accosts you. Don’t lose a minute. Make the first move; make things right with him. After all, if you leave the first move to him, knowing his track record, you’re likely to end up in court, maybe even jail. If that happens, you won’t get out without a stiff fine.

REFLECT

How do you express anger? Do you yell or do you hold it in? Do you use aggressive body movements or stand still? Anger is an expression of internal thoughts. When Jesus became angry at the temple, He shouted and turned over tables, however, in His anger He did not sin. This is where it becomes difficult for us. The Scripture reading today says being angry is the same as murder! Excuse me? Sounds harsh! What Jesus is saying here is that anger can break (kill) a relationship. Our words can wound someone so severely that they cannot recover.

The Scripture says repairing our relationships is more important than worship. Since worship is how we show our love for God, we cannot truly worship if we are angry at someone else. We are commanded to love God and to love others. You cannot do one without the other. God wants reconcilation and unity in the church which is made possible through Christ Jesus. Anger towards one another breaks God's peace. May God help us when we are angry to have grace.

The Mayo clinic offers Anger Management Tips: Ten Ways to Tame Your Temper

LENT CHECK IN

Try to be mindful when you are angry. What happened right before you felt anger? Does it help you to understand what you feel is important or what you value? (i.e. trust, honesty, loyalty?) Try asking God to help you communicate your core values in loving ways.

If you feel lead, pray for someone whom you are angry with or has hurt you. Ask God to show you how God sees them.