At Least I Didn't Murder Anyone

Summary

• Jesus calls us to a higher standard than just "not murdering" - he says anger and insults make us liable to judgment.
• Anger and conflict are common in the world, but disciples are called to live differently.
• Righteous anger has its place, but we are warned not to sin in our anger.
• Our relationships with God and others are interconnected - we can't compartmentalize.
• If someone has a grievance against us, we should seek reconciliation as much as possible, even if we think we are right.
• In conflicts, we can either fan the flames or work to extinguish the fire. Disciples are called to reconcile.
• This can be difficult but relationships are worth the effort, especially in a small community where we will keep seeing people.
• God wants our lives to have integrity and wholeness under the Lordship of Christ.

Discussion Questions

1. Why do you think we tolerate anger and conflict more than obvious sins like murder? How should Jesus' words challenge us?
2. When have you seen "righteous anger" become unrighteous? What warnings might this passage give for how we express anger?
3. How have you compartmentalized your relationship with God from relationships with others in unhelpful ways? What would greater integration look like?
4. What relationships in your life are broken or strained right now? What do you think "as much as it depends on you" might look like to seek reconciliation?
5. What makes having difficult relational conversations intimidating? What advice would you give someone to overcome those fears or anxieties?
6. How can we as a church do a better job modeling reconciled relationships and peacemaking rather than mirroring the conflict and anger we see in culture?