Devastation of Anger and Bitterness: Matthew 5:21-22
““21) You have heard that the ancients were told, ‘You shall not commit murder’ and ‘Whoever commits murder shall be liable to the court.’ 22) 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.” Matthew 5:21-22
Anger, bitterness and broken relationships with other people causes the salt to become tasteless and the lights to go out quickly. Jesus equated these with murder. They share common roots.
In fact, they are so serious, He said they are worthy of criminal charges and even eternity in the fiery hell. In this garden and from these seeds come all the hate crimes. This is what motivated Cain to kill Able. (See Genesis 4:6-8) Anger, hate and bitterness are Satan’s playground.
Don’t brush this off or try to justify yourself. Ephesians 4:30-31 says these grieve the Holy Spirit in the life of believers. Hebrews 12:14-15 warns that bitterness causes trouble and defiles many. It spreads like cancer.
If anger is crouching at your door, you must master it or you will soon be mastered by it. Anger and bitterness will spoil the fruit of Spirit in your life and quench Agape love.
If these sins have overtaken you, then you are in a dangerous place. Your relationship with God is hindered and your influence with people is distorted. You have given ground to the devil. (Ephesians 4:26–27)You are in need of serious help. You are a prime candidate for repentance and revival. You need a fresh work of the Holy Spirit in your life. Do not move beyond this text without crying out to God!
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global