 Guest preacher, Cecil Garrison, brings a message about letting the Lord remain in control even when we are angry.
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 Painting by J. Kirk Richards Matthew 5:38-42
This "turn the other cheek" teaching from Jesus is correctly recognized as calling Christians to non-resistance. Over the years there has been some controversy over whether this passage means that Christians cannot fight in wars or defend their homes and family from threats to life and property. While it is possible that Christians must consider this passage in such situations, it is also important that Jesus does not include those kinds of threats in his illustrations of how to practice the Christian principle of non-resistance. In this study, we notice that Jesus calls his followers--anyone who wants to practice what is genuine righteousness--to follow his lead in coming alongside others as friends. These others are those who treat one's self wickedly, such as an insulting and belittling slap in the face or a lawsuit to forcibly claim property from you. Jesus earned a reputation as "friend of sinners," and he calls us to do likewise.  Matthew 5:21-26
Jesus teaches that the full understanding of the commandment, "You shall not murder," is that God condemns even our being angry with someone. Therefore, Jesus teaches his disciples to devote themselves to helping one another resolve their anger and make peace as soon as possible. Morning sermon from James 4:1-10.
Too often brothers and sisters in Christ go to war against each other. James calls us back to follow the example Jesus set for us on the cross. Sunday morning sermon from James 1:19-21.
Angry words are excused as "venting" so often these days, but that does not take away from their destructive force or from their ungodliness. James drives home the point that human anger does not accomplish God's righteous will. (God reserves a time for his own truly righteous indignation.) But how can we have this kind of self-control? |
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