“DON’T STAY MAD”
YEAH! CHURCH - SUNDAY, MAY 15, 2022
"Doing Life with Jesus”
Today’s Lesson - “Don’t Stay Mad”
Video Story/Resource:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rtBjdIO4AnI (Veggie Tales – God Wants Me to Forgive Them)
Anger & Disputes, Revenge & Enemies
Matthew 5:21-26, 38-48, NLT
Murder
21 “You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ 22 But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘Raca,’ is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell. 23 “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, 24 leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift. 25 “Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court. Do it while you are still together on the way, or your adversary may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison. 26 Truly I tell you, you will not get out until you have paid the last penny.
Eye for Eye
38 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’[h] 39 But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. 40 And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. 41 If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. 42 Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.
Love for Enemies
43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47 And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”
We all know that killing someone is wrong, but did you know that Jesus said that even being angry at someone and calling them names was wrong? We are not to live in conflict with others, but peacefully…at least on our parts. We aren’t even to get revenge when someone is mean to us and hurts us. In fact, Jesus tells us to help those who are mean to us and to even love those who act like our enemies!
But how on earth can Jesus expect this of us? It’s not possible! Well...without his help it is impossible, but for God’s children it is not only possible, it is expected.
God has given us his love, even before we were his friends. He showed us mercy by making a way for us to be included in his family. He forgives us when we ask him to, even though we don’t deserve his forgiveness. His love, mercy and forgiveness are all gifts God gives us freely and it is up to us to share these gifts with others…no matter who they are or what they’ve done.
Engage:
• Jesus put murder and anger in the same category. Why do you think that is?
• Name calling is serious business to God. Why does Jesus tell us not to?
• Sometimes we think that getting even with someone will make us feel better. But, is that always true?
• Loving your enemies, people who are mean to you, can be really hard. How can we show God’s ‘love’ to someone who we may find difficult to even ‘like?’
Weekly verse:
Ephesians 4:26-27, NLT – “And ‘don’t sin by letting anger control you.’ Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a foothold to the devil.”
2022 Theme verses:
Colossians 2:6-7, NLT – “And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.”
Prayer – Dear God, thank you for loving me. When I am tempted to get angry with another person, remind me how much you love me and have forgiven me…even though I don’t deserve either. Help others see you in me by how I live my life and respond. Help me develop good self-control and patience.
~ Pastor Jane