ANGER IS AN EVIL SEED THAT PRODUCES EVIL FRUIT

FOR TAKING YOUR TIME TO STUDY THE WORD OF GOD REMAIN BLESSED.

DATE: FRIDAY 6th AUGUST

TOPIC: ANGER IS AN EVIL SEED THAT PRODUCES EVIL FRUIT

TEXT: MATTHEW 5:21-26

Key verse: Psalm 34:14 Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and

pursue it.

In our reading text, the Lord reveals His mind on anger, which is contrary to peaceful coexistence. The religious leaders of that time had not considered the evil and danger of anger and other sins it 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 fruits in one's life. Anger affects our relationship with our neighbors negatively. With such negative effects on our relationship, a wife or a husband, a brother or a sister, an employer or an employee, a relative or a neighbor may justly have an ought against another person.

Under the circumstance, reconciliation and mending of our relationship become necessary before God can accept our gift, service, or worship. Our Lord who knows more than the religious leaders in all generations has declared this truth. A strained relationship with man hinders an intimate relationship with God.

Matthew 5:23 Therefore, if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee...

The Pharisees were only committed to external acts of worship; they were not concerned about the state of their hearts. To some people, the internal state of mind and attitude towards their fellowmen are not considered essential to their ministry and worship of God.

While their hearts burned with the fire of anger and hatred, they continue with their external acts of worship. While they are under the heavy burden of judgment and condemnation for contempt and conspiracy against Christ, they continued with their external acts of worship.

Their ministry and worship are unacceptable. They have not learned that God is a 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 his 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 has gone so far as to bring his gift to the very altar and remembers that anyone has anything against him, it is his duty to leave his offering there and go and first reconcile with his brother. Do you have grudge against anyone? Reconcile with the person for the sake of your heaven.

Thought for the day: The wrath of man does not work the righteousness of God. Repent!

Song for the day: Make me worthy….in the morning.

Bible reading for the day: Psalm 78;

Romans 7 #Horemow