Jesus’ Life: Chapter 5 – The Sermon On The Mount
Each of the ten commandments is a short summary of multiple possibilities.
Using the fifth commandment as an example Jesus explained, “You shall not kill; … But I say to you, whoever is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment.”
“And whoever insults a brother will be brought before the council… So then, if you bring your gift to the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First, go and be reconciled to your brother”. (Matthew 5:21-26, Luke 12:57-59)
Thought
It is relatively easy to recognise our aggressive anger such as threatening, bullying, fighting, verbal insults or other violence. However, what about passive anger such as giving the cold shoulder, turning one’s back, refusing to talk, refusing to get involved in helping, provoking others to do an injustice or allowing personal resentment to build up?
Anger can secretly destroy. Settle all differences quickly and seek the help of the Holy Spirit in prayer.
Reflection
Lord Jesus, help us realise that our neighbours were made in your image; loving them is part of loving you.
Forgive us our wrongdoings, Lord.
Prayer:
O, my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended Thee,
and I detest my sins most of all because they offend Thee,
who are all good and deserving of all my love.
I firmly resolve, with the help of your grace,
to sin no more and to amend my life. Amen.
