The story of brother anger is as old as Cain and Abel. It is a direct result of our fall in the garden of Eden and impacts us each day. Anger with our “brother” is a cancer that consumes the heart – and also displaces the freedom of soul God wishes for all His children. Jesus comments on this again and again:
“But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you…” Matthew 5:44
“But I say to you who hear, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you…” Luke 6:27
“But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for He Himself is kind to ungrateful and evil men.” Luke 6:35
Jesus also comments on the roots of brother anger and how we are to manage it. “You have heard that the ancients were told, ‘You shall not commit murder’ and ‘Whoever commits murder shall be liable to the court.’ But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother shall be guilty before the court; and whoever says to his brother, ‘You good-for-nothing,’ shall be guilty before the supreme court; and whoever says, ‘You fool,’ shall be guilty enough to go into the fiery hell. Therefore if you are presenting your offering at the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your offering before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and present your offering. Make friends quickly with your opponent at law while you are with him on the way, so that your opponent may not hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the officer, and you be thrown into prison. Truly I say to you, you will not come out of there until you have paid back the last cent.” Matthew 5:21-26
By directing our anger in a God way (we can’t avoid becoming angry) we set ourselves free and benefit others. “Be angry and do not sin. Do not let the sun go down on your anger, and do not give the devil an opportunity.” Ephesians 4:26-27
When we sacrifice anger toward our brother upon the altar of our obedient faith, we follow in the footsteps of Jesus and cut off the work of the devil in and around our heart. “But Jesus was saying, “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.” And they cast lots, dividing up His garments among themselves.” Luke 23:34
Forgiveness is daunting but is incredibly powerful over brother anger.
Dave and Burnadette