1“You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder,a and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ 22But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sisterb cwill be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘Raca,’d is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell. (Matthew 5:21-22)
Thoughts: It would be easy to look at the commandment that says, "Thou shalt not kill" (or a better translation- "You shall not murder") and think, that will never apply to me. Jesus was saying this commandment- like all of them starts with the heart. If you are angry or cutting or destructive toward your brother or sister in your heart then you have broken this commandment.
Paul urges us to put off all anger, rage, slander (Col. 3:8).
Jesus specifically says, "anger with a brother or sister." He is speaking not just about our physical family, but our spiritual family. The family of God has rules too. Being angry with each other in church is like murder. Calling a church family member "Raca" (fool, or brainless idiot) is as bad as murder too. None of us- even the most smart of us is perfect. We all need grace and patience. Jesus is calling us to that.
Prayer: Lord, give me patience with those around me. Help me to love them as you love me.
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