"There is nothing done with anger that can’t be done better without it."
— Dallas Willard

“You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘Raca,’ is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell.
“Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.
Matthew 5:21-24

Move 1 = We attend to what’s in our hearts

Move 2 = We take the initiative to promote reconciliation

“Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.
Matthew 5:23-24

Bottom Line

Dealing with our anger leads to practicing reconciliation.

You can always examine your heart.

Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.  
See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
Psalm 139:23-24

You can always practice forgiveness.

You can always ask God to be at work.

Action Steps

Prayer: Create some space with Jesus this week to prayerfully reflect on the following:

• Where do you notice anger bubbling up to the surface in your life?  
• How does the anger on the surface of your life reveal what’s in your heart?
• How is Jesus wanting to speak into the anger that is in your heart?
• Who might you need to take the initiative with to move toward reconciliation?

Practice:‍

• Camp Fire Exercise
• Imagine Heaven Exercise