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“But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother shall be guilty before the court; and whoever says to his brother, ‘Raca,’ shall be guilty before the Sanhedrin; and whoever says, ‘You fool,’ shall be guilty enough to go into the fiery hell.”

Matthew 5:22, LSB

Anger is such a dangerous thing. It divides our relationships with our brothers and sisters in Christ. It separates families. It creates conflict between neighbors. It ultimately can separate us from God. Quick words, spoken without thought or any concern for the implications, can also do great harm. Jesus warns us of this. Malice and salacious talk can cost us financially and legally, but words that are meant to inflict harm on a brother or sister in Christ can be soul killing. In this age, many may not think about the issue of being called before a church council or the leadership of their religious body for insulting a brother or sister in Christ and people seem to be less fearful of saying things that could cost them their eternal salvation, but as Christians we are reminded to be mindful of how we speak and to not carry anger with us, but to look to Christ letting the Holy Spirit guide us in our speech as we seek to lead others into the peace of our Lord’s Kingdom.

Let us pray. I thank you, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, your dear Son, that you have kept me this night from all harm and danger, and I ask you to protect me this day also from sin and every evil, that in all I do today, I may please you. For into your hands, I commend myself, my body and soul, and all that is mine. Let your holy angel watch over me, that the wicked foe have no power over me. Amen.