In today’s devotional, Dr. Michael Youssef looks at Jesus’ shocking teaching about anger.
If you would like more insight into today’s devotional topic, listen to Dr. Michael Youssef’s sermon Appropriating the Happiness That Is in You, Part 4: WATCH NOW | LISTEN NOW
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One out of every seven Christians around the globe suffers intense persecution. As hatred toward followers of Jesus increases, we will be forced to either take a stand for Christ or retreat into cowardice. We will be forced to either proclaim our love for Jesus or deny our Lord.
That’s why Dr. Michael Youssef has written his newest book God’s Final Call. In this timely teaching from Revelation 2-3, Dr. Youssef leads you through important warnings and uplifting encouragements from Christ Himself delivered in His seven letters to the seven churches of Revelation—words just as relevant today as they were to the first century church. Jesus’ letters teach His followers how to live victoriously in times of peril and hostile opposition, so may we heed them closely as the world grows darker and more evil.
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[00:00:00] You are listening to My Devotional, the daily devotional from Dr. Michael Youssef and Leading the Way. The Perils of Anger by Dr. Michael Youssef Though it may not seem like it at first, the Torah, or law, which comprises the first five books of the Bible, was a precious gift to the people of Israel. God's law teaches us how to live in a manner pleasing to God, a manner that is also for
[00:00:30] our good. It also points us to our need for a Savior, since none of us can keep His commands perfectly. But the law also reveals something else, the very heart of God. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus brought the truth home, clarifying the heart of God. God, beginning with the commandment not to murder, Jesus shocked His listeners by declaring that the sin of selfish anger is tantamount to murder.
[00:00:59] How can that be? Because that's where murder starts, in a person's heart. Murder starts with a selfish, prideful motive. And so Jesus was saying to the self-righteous Pharisees in the crowd, righteousness is not only a matter of eternal things. Righteousness does not exist only on the surface. Righteousness is not true righteousness if it only comes out when other people are watching.
[00:01:26] That's why he could say, anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment. Most of us know that anger takes many forms, ranging from slight irritation to full-blown, uncontrollable rage. However, all unrighteous anger stems from pride and self-righteousness. It creeps up when we don't get our way, when someone criticizes us, or when we're overlooked.
[00:01:51] If left unchecked, smoldering anger will destroy a person from the inside out. It will also destroy a person's relationship with God, for no one can know Jesus as Savior and Lord and still nurse hatred toward another. That's why Jesus' message to us is this. Repair whatever breach you may have with a brother or sister in Christ, so that you can truly settle the breach between yourself and God.
[00:02:18] Brothers and sisters, if there's a conflict in your life, deal with it as soon as you can. Resolve here and now to dig up these roots of bitterness. When you forgive others and make peace with those you've hurt, you'll be amazed at what the Holy Spirit will do. And you'll also bear witness to the transforming power of God to redeem and renew His children. Let's pray together. Lord, forgive us for being quick to anger.
[00:02:47] Help us to humble ourselves as you have humbled yourself, that we might live in peace with all as far as it depends on us. We pray this in the name of Jesus. Amen. If today's devotional encouraged you, we'd love to hear about it. Leave a review and share this episode with a friend who needs to hear it. My devotional is a ministry of Leading the Way with Dr. Michael Youssef. To learn more, visit ltw.org today.