Matthew 5:26
"Amen, I say to you, you will not be released until you have paid the last penny."
As humans we like to hold on to things. Some of us are pack rats, clutter bugs, and hoarders. We hold onto things that we perceive have value. But one thing we hold on to very tightly is anger. Anger can have value, even used as a tool. It's usually anger at someone. It might be a situation that you are angry about, but the anger itself might be pointed to an individual within the situation. Most likely you've been on both sides of the aisle on this one. I know as the leader of Spirit FM, I've been party to both ends of it…sometimes at the same time! That's a bad position to be in. Yet it is a valid human emotion that we need to control.
In today's Gospel reading from Matthew, Jesus focuses on dealing with anger. He says we need to let it go, even before offering our gifts to God, otherwise our gifts go unused. We are told that we should not kill…it's one of the basic commandments. Yet how often do we kill with our words, with even an angry glance or scowl? God wants us to join him in eternity but we can't if we hold onto that anger that keeps us separated from friends, coworkers and loved ones. Pray today to let it go and find peace with those who have upset you or that you've upset. You'll be that much closer to love and peace. Only then will you be released from the prison of anger by paying the last penny of forgiveness.
