The Devil Be Damned
Matt. 5:21-26
Is anger ever justified?
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“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, you will be liable to judgment; and if you insult a brother or sister, you will be liable to the council; and if you say, 'You fool,' you will be liable to the hell of fire. 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 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. - Matt. 5:21-26
We live in an age of self-incrimination.
We don't need someone to accuse us of our anger toward others. We do it ourselves. Our social media posts are evidence of our anger.
But it is justified, you say. Look at what is happening in the world. We shouldn't be silent.
Besides, Jesus is talking about people you know, your brothers and sisters or your neighbors, not tyrants and despots.
Good point.
It is not our job to come to terms with anyone. They need to do that, those evil ones.
And it is our job to forgive them when they do. But we are not talking about personal interactions here, are we?
We are talking about being the accusers, the ones with a gripe against someone else, and it may not be for something done directly to us. We are angry for others who we feel are wronged.
So, what would Jesus say about that?
Many believe he would be at the forefront, waving the banner of protest, calling out the injustice, shaming the evil ones, the way he shames the Pharisees.
So, we feel justified in our anger.
And so long as it remains as it is, nasty posts on social media, no harm, no foul.
But what if it incites violence? Who will be at fault then?
Maybe, though, like the Pharisees and scribes, that is what you want. And the devil be damned.
More to come...
Luigi Mangione, among others, carried anger to violence. He is not alone, but just that example frightens me when verbal confrontation "happens". Escalation is imminent. Very complicated issue. Truly a "What would Jesus do?" moment.