What would be consoling to hear from Jesus talking to you about anger? Is He dismissing it as one deplorable human emotion or recognizing it as a warning sign? Jesus stresses that unbridled anger will land us in court to face judgment and the fires of hell (v22). Such anger is deep seated within and has become a determining factor in our decision making. It characteristically expresses itself through insulting words and an attitude of contempt. Such a manner of treating people is devoid of compassion, it will alienate me from God and people.

The Letter to the Hebrews states, "Today, if you hear His voice, harden not your hearts as at the rebellion" (Heb 3:15). All contempt, disregard, intentional aloofness from efforts of reconciliation in any human relationship which stem from the state of hardness of the heart, are sinful! It is an indication that I have distanced myself from the compassion of God and the touch of human sorrow. Oftentimes, we are so fixated with our possessions that we relieve ourselves from performing Jesus' remedial remarks, "leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift" (v24). Our decision making is shaped by the virtues we inculcate in following Jesus. Any murderous intention will only equate us with the Pharisees, who want to write off people deserving of a fair hearing with compassion.