A Surprising Scripture on Anger

There are passages in the Bible that don’t say what we expect. They sometimes take us by such surprise that we don’t read them correctly.

One that I’ve been known to misread:

You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, 'Do not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.' But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, 'Raca,' is answerable to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, 'You fool!' will be in danger of the fire of hell.

Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that you have something against your brother, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift.

Except that’s not what it says:

Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift.

“Anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment,” so if your brother is angry at you, fix it.

Shouldn’t it read the other way? Only if the other soul isn’t important to you.

We are held responsible for our part in other people’s sin. Jesus warned against causing other people to sin (c.f., Mark 9:42), as did Paul (c.f., 1Cor 8).

We don’t like that idea. I don’t like that idea. We’re an individualistic lot here in 21st century America, but that doesn’t change the scriptures. As it turns out, I am my brother’s keeper.