Revolutionary Reconciliation

When we release anger and embrace forgiveness, repentance, and reconciliation we can PREVENT future sin and broken relationships, and are able to wholeheartedly worship and live at peace with God and mankind. This revolutionary commitment to humility and trust in God’s sovereign judgement demonstrates radical Gospel love.

"You have heard that it was said to those of old, 'You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.' But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, 'You fool!' will be liable to the hell of fire.

So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. Come to terms quickly with your accuser while you are going with him to court, lest your accuser hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the guard, and you be put in prison. Truly, I say to you, you will never get out until you have paid the last penny.‘ Matthew 5:21-26

1. Anger Requires Release

But Jesus says that OUR CONTEMPT makes us as guilty as a murderer. when we have contempt for someone, we think that they deserve punishment for how they have offended us. But Jesus says that OUR CONTEMPT makes us as guilty as a murderer.

Righteous Anger When you’re angry at what makes God angry God is angry at what perverts His goodness Laced with grief for what has been done to the heart of God and the people He created Finds solace in the fact that God will vindicate

Sinful Anger concerned more with man more than with God focused on MY feelings, actions, and attitudes.

It’s not the fleeting feeling of anger that is sin in and of itself, but when we HOLD ON to that anger, and let that anger permeate us and change us, whether in thoughts, words, or actions

“In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” –Ephesians 4:26-27, 31-32

As long as we are divided against our brothers and sisters, we are falling right into the scheme of the enemy who wants to destroy us, and he will do so through division. Unchecked and unrestrained ANGER divides us.

When you’re angry Release it - let it go. Turn the Other Cheek. Go the Extra Mile (Mt 5:38-42) Love your enemies. Pray for those who persecute you. (Mt 5:43-44) Overcome evil with good.(Rom 12:19-21)

“Then Peter came up and said to him, ‘Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?’  Jesus said to him, ‘I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times.’” –Matthew 18:21-22

Releasing them, actually frees US As long as we are in Christ, He has released us from our debt and He has clearly commanded us to release others as well. Releasing them, actually frees US

2. Repentance Causes Anger to Recede

“So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. Come to terms quickly with your accuser while you are going with him to court, lest your accuser hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the guard, and you be put in prison. Truly, I say to you, you will never get out until you have paid the last penny.’” –Matthew 5:23-26

Be willing to follow through with repentance to BOTH God and the person we have wronged

3. Reconciliation Occurs When We Do All We Can to Restore the Relationship

Revolutionary reconciliation is a recognition of the ministry of reconciliation that God has called us to