Anger: Things to Remember (Part 2)

There are things I need to remember from Jesus’ teaching in the The Sermon on the Mount.

I need to remember from Matthew 5:21-26 that Jesus condemned not just violent deeds but also violent temperaments.

I need to remember from Matthew 5: 3-11 who I am and what I am as a Christian!

“The poor in spirit are blessed, for the kingdom is theirs.

I must remember that I am poor. I am spiritually bankrupt and totally dependent on God.

“Those who mourn are blessed, for they will be comforted”.

I must remember that as a christian I should be grieved by my sinfulness.

^“The gentle are blessed, for they will inherit the earth”.

I must remember that to be gentle is to know that I am not the one in control but God is totally in control and I must stubbornly trust Him.

“Those who hunger and thirst for righteousness are blessed, for they will be filled”.

I must remember my desire for righteousness in the midst of things that may disappoint me.

^“The merciful are blessed, for they will be shown mercy”.

I must remember what is pleasing to God is a forgiving and compassionate spirit.

“The pure in heart are blessed, for they will see God”.

I must remember righteousness can not be faked.  Anger comes from the overflow of the heart.

^“The peacemakers are blessed, for they will be called sons of God”.

I must remember a peacemaker is fast to apologize, seek forgiveness, offer restitution, not seek revenge and in humility serve others.

^“Those who are persecuted for righteousness are blessed, for the kingdom of heaven  is theirs”.

I must remember if I am persecuted for righteousness I am blessed.

“You are blessed when they insult and persecute you and falsely say every kind of evil against you because of Me”.

I must remember if I should be either verbally or violently persecuted for the cause of Jesus Christ my reward that I will enjoy will be in heaven!

 

Prayer

Lord I desire to be a man that would always remember my dependence on you.  I can do nothing apart from you.  I desire to be a man with a growing hatred for my sin and that I would grow in my trust in you.  That I would be quick to confess my thoughts and deeds that lack righteousness.  Oh Lord that I would be fast at confessing sin, seeking forgiveness and being compassionate to others.  Lord I desire to care well for my heart and that I would be a peacemaker.  Lord if I should be persecuted for Your Name Sake may I consider it a joy.  Lord help me to remember my identity in you when things do not go as I thought they would or should.  Amen