Dear Church Family –
We’re saddened by another assassination attempt on former president Trump. It’s another reminder of how angry and violent our culture has become. Anger leads to murder, just as Jesus said, “You have heard that the ancients were told, 'you shall not commit murder' and 'whoever commits murder shall be liable to the court.' But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother shall be guilty before the court.” (Matt 5:21-22)
Many observes have noted a “coarsening of society” in America. We’re angrier than we used to be, quicker to dismiss others who have a different opinion than we do. Language has gotten coarser, both in the use of profanity and in the way we refer to those who differ from us.
Jesus’ point is that we need to deal with anger before it erupts into violence. Anger and murder differ in degree, not in kind.
There is a righteous kind of anger that motivates a person to right a wrong. But most of our anger isn't that. Anger is often a sign that we are trying to change something that is outside our circle of responsibility or authority. Anger is almost always selfish.
God has some strong and pointed things to say about our anger:
“…everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger; for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God. Therefore, putting aside all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls.” (James 1:19-21)
“Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.” (Eph 4:31-32)
“Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘vengeance is mine, I will repay,’ says the Lord. But if your enemy is hungry, feed him, and if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in so doing you will heap burning coals on his head. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Rom 12:19-21)
Keeping our anger out of life and politics is one way to "Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” (Matt 5:16)
Thinking about yesterday’s assassination attempt and the anger that drove it, I was reminded of the famous “Serenity Prayer:”
“Lord, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,
The courage to change the things I can,
And the wisdom to know the difference."
Thank you for your kindness and calmness in frustrating times. God still “changes times and seasons; He sets up kings and deposes them.” (Dan 2:20-21)
Because of Christ – Pastor Tim
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