Really? Anger is a sin?

“You have heard that it was said to our ancestors, 'Do not murder,and whoever murders will be subject to judgment.' But I tell you, everyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. And whoever says to his brother, ‘Fool!’ will be subject to the Sanhedrin. But whoever says, ‘You moron!’ will be subject to hellfire." (Matthew 5:21-22)

Boy, it is easy to see the sins of others. We're good at spotting those. But when we look in the mirror (not the mirror above our sink, I'm referring to the mirror of God's Word as in James 1:22-25), we find that sin is pretty easy to spot much closer to home.

Do you get angry? I'm not speaking of "righteous indignation;" I mean the kind of anger that causes you to speak harshly or cruelly to someone. Have you ever torn someone apart with words that are fueled by anger? Sometimes we regret the damage we inflict. Sometimes we feel smug and justified.

Jesus pulls no punches. That kind of anger is cause for judgment ... the punishment of hell.

But thanks be to God! This Friday we celebrate the ultimate Day of Atonement, the Day that Jesus died on the cross to absorb the punishment that we deserve for all our sins, including the sin of anger.

Starter prayer:

Jesus, how desperately I need You. How grateful I am that when you died on the cross, it was for ALL my sin - even the sin of my anger. Forgive me for my anger. Forgive me for inflicting pain on others because I was unable to contain my anger. I've been wrong - terribly wrong.

Thank you for the cross and for full forgiveness. Change me by Your grace, Lord!

Amen