“For prayer is nothing else than being on terms of friendship with God.”

-- St. Theresa of Avila

Come as you are and I won’t leave you as you are.

How do I know if I am good?

The dikaiosune of God is seen in Jesus.

Romans 3:21–22

But now God has shown us a way to be made right with him without keeping the requirements of the law . . . We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. . .

John 17:3

Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.

Matthew 5:17

Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.

God desires to provide the best environment for a righteous life.

God desires to protect us from anything that threatens the righteous life.

We don’t obey God’s commands as a requirement to become good.

We obey God’s commands because we are becoming righteous people 

Matthew 5:21–26

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 (the same) 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. 

Anger is the natural response to not (getting my way or) getting what I want.

Ephesians 4:26

In your anger do not sin

 If I can redefine you different than what God says about you, I can do what I want, say what I want, treat you as I want because you no longer matter.

Anger is to the heart when it feels attacked, what pain is to your hand when you touch a hot stove.

Questions for consideration:

1. What is one example of growing anger or holding onto anger in your life?
2. Has there ever been a time when you were the target of someone’s anger?
3. Is there a person or group, if you valued them as God sees and values them, would it impact how you treat them?