One of the classic books on Christian discipleship is Dietrich Bonhoeffer's "The Cost of Discipleship". I read it several years ago, but I am reading it again now. Chapter 9 is entitled "Brother". I have two brothers, and many of us have at least one, so it should be relevant to a lot of us, right? But I was a little taken aback when the first verse of the bible reference was talking about how we shouldn't murder people. When I was younger, I may have thought I was mad enough to murder one of my brothers, but never seriously considered it. In Matthew 5:21, Jesus says, "You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgement." Of all of the laws and social issues that are debated every day online and around the water cooler (do those even still exist?), I believe "not murdering" is considered by all, except the deranged, to be a good idea. But verse 22 continues, "But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgement." So Jesus is taking the Old Testament commandment, "do not murder", and extending it to "do not be angry". While we may agree that anger is also something to avoid, unlike murder, most of us feel some level of anger almost every day. OK, that gives me something to work on that I should be able to manage. Try not to be angry with my two brothers. I talk to them and see them regularly, but certainly not every day, so I should be able to handle that most days. But it is somewhat unsettling that Jesus is not just talking about not being angry with our siblings. We are all God's children, and we are invited to be the adopted brothers and sisters of Jesus. If we choose that, we must also choose to try to follow him and his teaching. Think of who makes you angry. Remember that they are a child of God. Try not to be angry with them today. I will try, too.
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