Let’s look at this last thought that Jesus shares with us about murder and anger: It is very practical advice to resolve our differences with our enemies or those who make us angry before their anger causes more trouble….indeed……before OUR anger causes more trouble! Jesus is amazing, His wisdom is timeless!
Matthew 5:25-26 (TNIV)
25 “Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court. Do it while you are still together on the way, or your adversary may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison. 26 Truly I tell you, you will not get out until you have paid the last penny.
Not all disagreements end in going to court or end in having someone else arbitrate the matter. The point is, even small conflicts mend more easily if you try to make peace right away. In a even a bigger way, Jesus is telling us to get things right with our brothers and sisters before we have to stand before God.
Proverbs 25:8-10 (TNIV)
8 do not bring hastily to court, for what will you do in the end if your neighbor puts you to shame? 9 If you take your neighbor to court, do not betray another’s confidence, 10 or the one who hears it may shame you and the charge against you will stand.
Do you see the difference between destroying a person physically and destroying a person spiritually? In the case of physical destruction, civil authorities will do the punishing. In the case of not loving those around us, God will do the punishing.
Get things right with those you have disagreements with right away. The time is now to reconcile and to seek peace.