TEXT: MATTHEW 5:21-26
(21) Ye have heard that it was said of them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment:
(22 But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause sha)ll be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.
(23) Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee;
(24) Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.
(25) Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison.
(26) Verily I say unto thee, Thou shalt by no means come out thence, till thou hast paid the uttermost farthing.

KEY VERSE: 1 SAMUEL 24:5
And it came to pass afterwards, that David’s heart smote him because he had cut off Saul’s skirt.

In our reading text, the Lord reveals the mind of God and the verdict of heaven on anger in our relationship. These religious leaders had not considered the evil and danger of anger. Neither did they think of other sins that anger produces such as hatred, malice, revenge, strife, contention, injustice, violence, slander, backbiting, provocation, murmuring, division, conspiracy, mischief, cruelty, oppression, obstinacy, covenant-breaking, strained relationship, self-destruction and even murder. Anger is an evil root that produces evil fruit in one’s life.

Anger affects our relationship with our neighbours negatively, such that a relative or a neighbour may justly have an aught against us. Reconciliation, the mending of our relationship and restoration of normal fellowship becomes necessary before God can accept our gift, service or worship. Our Lord who knows the requirements of God’s law declared this truth. A strained relationship with man hinders an intimate relationship with God.

The Pharisees were only committed to external acts of worship; they were not concerned about the state of their hearts. Some do not consider their attitude towards others as essential in ministry and worship of God. While their hearts burned with anger and hatred they continued with their external acts of worship. Their ministry and worship are unacceptable. They have not learnt that God is Spirit and they that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth. If anyone worships God with zeal and great commitment, yet with anger, hatred and malice in the heart, our Lord has declared his worship to be worthless and his religion vain. It is more desirable to have the heart right with God and man than to perform mere outward acts of worship. If, therefore, a man brings his gift to the altar, and remembers that anyone has anything against him, he is to leave his offering and go and be reconciled. Do you harbour animosity against anyone? Reconcile with such a one.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: The wrath of man does not work the righteousness of God.

SONG FOR THE DAY: Make me worthy in the morning.

BIBLE READING FOR THE DAY: Micah 6-7; Revelation 12