Focus: We think we’re entitled to “righteous anger”, but is it really so righteous? And does anger actually help us fight injustice? In an increasingly angry culture, Brant Hansen encourages us to re-think our assumptions, and embrace a lifestyle of forgiveness. Brant Hansen is a nationally-syndicated radio host, does extensive work for CURE International, and he is author of Unoffendable: How Just One Change Can Make All of Life Better.
Gathering Prayer: Holy One who is known to us by many names and in many ways, we give thanks for the blessings that we have in our lives. You know the thoughts of our hearts; hear our prayers. Be present now as we enter a time of thought and discussion.
Watch the video clip: Anger and Forgiveness
Sentences on the Subject: Jesus has been teaching and healing in Galilee. As word of this spread, so did the crowds. He takes advantage of the situation to present His opus, His well known Sermon on the Mount. These are two excerpts:
Concerning Anger (Matt 5 21-26) “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 (or sister)1, you will be liable to judgment; and if you say to your brother (or sister) “Raca2”, you will be liable to the council; and if you say, ‘You fool,’ you will be liable to the Gehenna 3. So when you are offering your gift at the altar, if you remember that your brother or sister has something against you,leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother or sister,and then come and offer your gift. Come to terms quickly with your accuser while you are on the way to court 4 with him, or your accuser may hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the guard, and you will be thrown into prison. Truly I tell you, you will never get out until you have paid the last penny.
Concerning Retaliation (Matt 5 38-48) “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, Do not resist an evildoer. But if anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also; and if anyone wants to sue you and take your coat, give your cloak as well; and if anyone forces you to go one mile, go also the second mile. Give to everyone who begs from you, and do not refuse anyone who wants to borrow from you.
In a controversy the instant we feel anger we have already ceased striving for the truth, and have begun striving for ourselves. Buddha
Anybody can become angry – that is easy, but to be angry with the right person and to the right degree and at the right time and for the right purpose, and in the right way – that is not within everybody’s power nor is it easy. Aristotle
Without forgiveness life is governed by an endless cycle of resentment and retaliation. Roberto Assagioli
Below is some “food for thought”, a few probes that might kick start a conversation. Read over them and pick one (or more, or none) to discuss. Remember to hold space for others to share and share only what you feel comfortable sharing.
Probe 1. You are driving and another driver cuts you off or performs some other act that raises your blood pressure. What is your “go to” response?
Probe 2. Hansen gives us a few pointers including: Don’t trust your anger; Why am I so confident in my side?; Does my anger really help me?; Why not forgive? What did you think when you heard these?
Probe 3. What do these two passages from The Sermon on the Mount tell you about the nature of Christ and the type of following he is trying to develop?
Probe 4. Anything the Sentences on the Subject strike a chord with you?
Take Away. Be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slower still to anger. James 1:19
Commission: Hold on to what is good. Love deeply. Honor others. Stay excited about life and your faith. Be joyful. Be patient. If you pray, have faith. Share with people who are in need. Welcome others into your homes. Be loving to those who hurt you. Be present; be in the moment. Be gentle, even with those with whom you disagree. Be humble. Be a friend of people who aren’t considered important. Do the right thing. If possible, live in peace with everyone. And remember, no matter who you are, or where you are on life’s journey- you are welcome here.
Footnotes:
- Matthew 5:22 Raca an insult, although we are unsure of its meaning
- Matthew 5:22 Gk a brother (or sister) because the Greek word is not the one for a male brother but rather a close associate or family member
- Matthew 5:22 Gk Gehenna (Valley of Hinnom) is a valley where the child sacrifice was practice at a time when the Hebrews turned from Yahweh and worshiped Baal. Jeremiah called for a destruction of the altar and King Josiah obeyed, turning the place to a dump where trash was burned so that it would never be returned to a “sacred space”. Throughout the NT this is Anglised as ‘hell’. Not to be confused with Hades/Sheol, which is the place of the dead..
- Matthew 5:25 Gk lacks to court
My Thoughts and the Thoughts of Others 