Subject to judgement
by Tatiana Overduin
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But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgement (Matthew 5:22a).
Read Matthew 5:21–26
The repeating message throughout Matthew chapter 5 reiterates both blessing and judgement. We all are ‘subject to judgement’, for all stand guilty before God’s throne (Romans 3:19–22). Only through the saving power of Jesus are we redeemed from God’s judgement. The blessing we receive is extended to us through the gift of faith in Jesus as Lord. Only then can we be free from the judgement we deserve, and the blessing can be embraced.
We are emotional beings; God created us this way. We’re going to get angry about things – it’s unavoidable. So sinning against our brother and sister by getting angry, being impatient, losing our temper: it’s not an ‘if’ but a ‘when’.
Getting angry at another person not only upsets them but us too. It can eat away at our core. We innately know that we have done wrong: sinned against God and our neighbour. But, as Christians, we know that we have a way out of the guilt and shame associated with offending another person. We repent and ask for forgiveness.
We ask for forgiveness from God. We apologise and recognise the offence: our short tempers and our lack of love. We ask God to give us the grace to ask the person we have offended to forgive us.
In my home, we have a running question: ‘Are you feeling a little ‘hangry’?’ Various situations can certainly affect us, which in turn can influence the way we relate to others: being hungry, for example (thus the hangry), feeling tired, perhaps, or even feeling unwell – or worse, in pain. God is always there to help.
Language can change, but God’s word and his promises remain the same.
Jesus tells us today we are not to hurt others, be angry or harm (to murder) others. God loves us, and he calls us to love others. We love God when we love our brother and sister (Matthew 22:37–40). On our own, we fail and stand subject to judgement. But, with God’s help, we immerse ourselves, surrounded by his blessing.
Ever-loving gracious God, help us love each other through seeking reconciliation with compassionate hearts toward our brother and sister. Lord, forgive us for sinful pride that can stop us from apologising when we have offended or hurt another. We thank you for your merciful gift of forgiveness. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Tatiana is married to Jim, and they live at Largs North, a seaside location in Adelaide. They have two adult children and six grandchildren. This year, Tatiana looks forward to spending more time building her art therapy/knitting business, writing, gardening and enjoying an early morning beach walk. Tatiana gained a Bachelor of Arts in Theology from Australian Lutheran College in 1996. Both Tatiana and Jim attend worship at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Adelaide.
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