Old Testament: 2 Kings 11 & 12
Poetry: Psalm 132
New Testament: Ephesians 4
Thou shalt not murder. This is one of the simplest commandments to keep. But the Jews of old and the Western world today lay out conditions of killing another human being that are acceptable, or deserve a lesser degree of punishment. In this standard, the most murderiest of murders is “murder with malice”. This means that the crime was premeditated and the intent to kill was established well before the act was carried out – murder happened in the heart first. (Matt 5:21-22) Malice, this intention and desire for evil, has no place in the Christian’s heart.
“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 4:31-32
Therefore, It is seemingly pretty simple advice when Paul states Christians should get rid of every form of malice. Christians sin, yes, but isn’t it always accidental or sometimes in the spirit of the moment? Not quite. The malicious premeditation of a Christian is more elaborate and filled with justifications for their crime. Christians become apologetics for the immoral actions of a political candidate because their candidate does their bidding. Christians cheat on their taxes with the justification that the government is spending on abortion. Christians gossip under the guise of having more people in prayer over the concern. Christians withhold the Gospel message from someone because we don’t want to save them (eternal murder with malice). These premeditated actions of Christians remind me of the unreliable narrator in The Tell-Tale Heart, making elaborate justification for his act in madness. They are equally crazy.
“Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body. “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.” – Ephesians 4:25-27
If we can feel the malice forming in our minds, it is time to address the issue. Paul states that we should be humble, gentle, patient, and loving, especially with our brothers and sisters in Christ. When we have an issue, ghosting brothers and sisters in Christ is unacceptable and leads to malicious talk and actions. We must find them, and speak truth in love and hope for a unifying and peaceful resolution. Even further, when someone has an issue with us, we must abide by the same rules, seeking resolution and unity. The only defense we are ever to play is accounting for the hope we have and the confidence within us about our faith. (1 Pet 3:15)
Be careful, O Christian. Don’t let the sun go down with anger in your heart. It will turn into bitterness. It will turn into rage. It will turn into murder by the standards of Jesus Christ. Let’s conclude with this ending thought by Paul: “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
-Aaron Winner
Reflection Questions
- When was the last time you let the sun go down with anger in your heart? How could you have changed how you dealt with the problem?
- What is the danger with anger?
- Truthfully consider, is there an area where you lean toward malice? How would you go about getting rid of it? What would you replace it with? How?