2011.02.20-Concerning Anger (Click on the title to listen to the sermon podcast.)

The Buddha said that “holding onto anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else; you are the one who gets burned.” With that it in mind, we will look at the nature of anger and examine how in the Sermon on the Mount it is taught that anger damages our relationships and deprives us of serenity (Matthew 5:21-26).

Matthew 5:21-26

“You have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, ‘You shall not murder’; and ‘whoever murders shall be liable to judgment.’ But I say to you that if you are angry with a brother or sister, you will be liable to judgment; and if you insult a brother or sister, you will be liable to the council; and if you say, ‘You fool,’ you will be liable to the hell of fire. So when you are offering your gift at the altar, if you remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother or sister, and then come and offer your gift. Come to terms quickly with your accuser while you are on the way to court with him, or your accuser may hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the guard, and you will be thrown into prison. Truly I tell you, you will never get out until you have paid the last penny.”