Matthew 5:21-22
Jesus said, "You have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, 'You shall not murder'; and 'whoever murders shall be liable to judgment.' But I say to you that if you are angry with a brother of sister, you will be liable to judgment; and if you insult a brother or sister, you will be liable to the council...'" (New Revised Standard Version)
So often, bitter words come out of anger and frustration. "I can't believe you did that!" or "I told you never to do that again!" come rushing out of our mouths at a moment's notice. But, often times our anger stays within us. This week's small group study calls these people 'imploders.' Imploders process their anger by staying within themselves - they withdraw, keep silence, and go away from the tense situation. But they don't forget their anger - it simply stays within. Then it's only a matter of time before imploders become resentful, cynical, bitter and even depressed.
This way of dealing with anger is deceptive. The anger still has a voice; it's simply the voice within that speaks. The internal dialogue of an imploder may not tear down others, but it will fester within the person who is holding that anger within them.
Jesus says that we will be judged simply if we have anger within us for someone else. We don't even have to act on our anger for God to see our true selves. Jesus encourages us further down in Matthew 5:25 "Come to terms quickly with your accuser..." When we are holding on to our anger, what good does this accomplish?
Are you ever an imploder? How can you hear Jesus' words, come to terms quickly with your accuser and let go of that anger within you? What are the sweet words that you need to say to yourself?
-Pastor Rhonda
