Matthew 5:9, 20-24 (ESV)

9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. … 20 For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 21 You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.’ 22 But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be liable to the hell of fire. 23 So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, 24 leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.”

Intro: What’s your greatest struggle with anger?

RELATIONAL INTEGRITY
Why do love and relationships matter more than anything else?

THE RELATIONSHIP OF ROOT & FRUIT
How do our words and actions reflect our hearts?

INTEGRATING THE CONCRETE & SPIRITUAL
How does reconciliation with the LORD, by Jesus’ grace, lead us to live?

YOU CAN PRAY WITH US …
1 - Worship the LORD for His absolute integrity. Praise Him, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, that He is and always has been good, and forever will be the only Source of all that good and right.

2 - How have you lived with gaps between what you do and what you truly think, willingly letting people think more highly of you than you deserve? Confess your lack of integrity to Jesus, asking Him to forgive you.

3 - Give thanks to Jesus for the wonder of His work to leave heaven to first work to reconcile us to His Father. Thank Him that by His saving grace, that worship now is and forever will be richer in heaven before His Father.

4 - Who do you know that has hurt your with their words or anger? Pray for them, asking the Lord to have mercy on them, and to soften their hearts, as He has for you in the Gospel.

5 - Ask the Holy Spirit to bear in You His fruit of love, peace, and gentleness. Pray for heart transformation in your own life that it would overflow into how you love, serve, and even bless those who’ve hurt you.