Sermon on the Mount - Anger and Murder - June 25 2017 - a podcast by VOX Community Podcast

This week, Mike continued his series on Jesus’ revolution. Specifically, Mike focused on a misunderstood part of the Beatitudes, when Jesus taught that those who were angry with their brother would be subject to judgment, likening such anger to murder. Superficially, this passage appears to provide an onerous law, setting us up for failure. But Jesus was instead focusing on our heart condition, not making a rule; following a law prohibiting murder is easy for most, but living without anger in our hearts and genuinely loving others is really what Jesus really desires. To be clear, Jesus himself was angry often, so not all anger is bad. Instead, Jesus condemns anger that leads to contempt for others—destructive anger that we nurse and hold on to. Jesus’ anger, on the other hand, was aimed at injustice and religious hypocrisy, and led to healing and blessing. Ultimately, true worship is to overcome anger and reconcile with the people with whom we have strained relationships, even those who are angry with us. While difficult, Jesus exemplified this dramatically by reconciling with us through the cross while we were still enemies to him.

Storytelling by Aline Strickler

Aline grew up in constant turbulence, without a father figure or a place to call home. Even when she “settled” in at a large church, she did not fit in, and turned to unhealthy means of attaining approval and validation. Despite her difficulties, she felt a sense of safety, knowing that God would provide, but admittedly, Jesus confused her. It wasn’t until she went through an intense period of depression and anxiety that she began to see Jesus for who he really is. While she is still reconstructing her faith, she can view life through the lens of Jesus.

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