TEMPER TRAGEDY: CAN’T FACE THE MUSIC

•    composer / author duo wouldn’t speak to each other despite extensive collaboration

TICKED, WITHOUT TALK

•    beyond act of murder to hurtful intent: anger / insult / demeaning
•    hell-fire symbolized by Hinnom Valley garbage dump (former child sacrifice)

GOD’S ANGER – AND OURS

•    some copyists inserted “without cause” to soften injunction
•    happy marriages free from verbal outbursts
•    Bible declares God’s wrath / anger - in OT & NT
•    humans are not God! Direct anger toward sin not people
•    rid yourself of anger, fits of rage
•    first ten words of Lord’s Prayer
•    quick to listen, but slow to become angry

PRIORITY OF RECONCILED RELATIONSHIPS

•    how God treats us connected to how we treat others
•    urgency - leave gift before altar if someone has something against you: go fix it!
•    gravity - imprisoned til last penny paid
•    Corinthian court-goers: better to be wronged than so dishonour Christ

LOSE THE MATCH NOT YOUR MANNERS

•    Arthur Ashe responded with class & self-control to nasty tennis opponent