Matthew 5:21-22, James 1:19, Matthew 5:23-26, Galatians 5:22

Matt Summerfield considers the best way to deal with anger

In life we have the daily challenge of learning to respond not react.

A reaction is something that 'just happens' - people will say 'I couldn't help myself'.
Of course that's never entirely true.

A response is thought through.

Scripture challenges us about our words and actions.

James 1:19 says, "Be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry".

Think before you speak - Remember the acronym 'THINK":

• T = is it true?


• H = is it helpful?


• I = is it inspiring?


• N = is it necessary?


• K = is it kind?

So, think before you speak and then choose reconciliation over revenge.

If we turn back to Matthew 5 Jesus continues in verse 23-26:

"So if you are presenting a sacrifice at the altar in the Temple and you suddenly remember that someone has something against you, leave your sacrifice there at the altar. Go and be reconciled to that person. Then come and offer your sacrifice to God. When you are on the way to court with your adversary, settle your differences quickly. Otherwise, your accuser may hand you over to the judge, who will hand you over to an officer, and you will be thrown into prison. And if that happens, you surely won't be free again until you have paid the last penny".

What's Jesus saying? Sort it out. Be reconciled. Settle your differences. Don't allow it to escalate and get out of hand.

Earlier in Matthew 5, Jesus commands us to be peace-makers - not those who create division and arguments. Choose to be someone who forgives and reconciles - choose to be a peace maker.

Does that sound impossible? Maybe. Which is why this final point is so important.

4. Embrace the daily work of the Spirit