EXPOSITION:
The first murder case in the world was recorded between Cain and Abel with Cain being the culprit. Because the Lord preferred Abel’s offering to that of Cain, the latter was angry and jealous and so resolved to take away the life of Abel, his junior brother. What anger did through Cain was to cause him to kill his brother! Anger can cause us to commit murder, destroy relationships, and make things worse. It can also block our prayers (see Matthew 5:22-24).
According to the Law of Moses, murder was to be punished through judgment. Jesus however came to push the lines further. He said, “Anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment…and anyone who says to his brother, ‘you fool!’ will be in danger of the fire in hell” (Matthew 5:22). The reason is that it is anger that will cause us to commit murder and cause us to call our brothers ‘fools’.
Whenever there is anger, something must be done about it. It must not be left to itself, hoping it will die off. No it won’t! Rather, it will give the devil a point of entry (see Ephesians 4:26-27) and worse things will follow.
Let us note that Jesus advices that we settle issues with our brothers and more so, quickly. We must not let the sun go down while we are still angry. Also, we must be ready to forgive for in so doing, our own sins will be forgiven by our heavenly Father. We must be careful not to sin in our anger.
Remember this: Anger easily slips into sin, making us say unwholesome things and act in the wrong way. Hence we must learn not to harbour anger against our brothers and sisters by all means. Let us guard against anger for human anger cannot fulfil the righteousness that God requires (James 1:20).