Read Matthew Chapter 5:21-26.
I HATE YOU!!!
Jesus said that for a long time you have heard that it was said you shall not commit murder and whoever commits murder shall be liable to the court (Greek word – krisis – meaning the lower court).
Murder is a serious offense. BUT THERE’S MORE:
Jesus said if anyone is ANGRY with their fellow person they shall also be guilty before the lower court. Anger is often associated with hatredness and it’s anger and hate that often leads to murder. Jesus recognizes that and he wants us to recognize it as well so that we don’t allow our emotions to overtake what the Spirit is wanting to do in and through our lives.
BUT THERE’S STILL MORE:
Jesus also said, if you say to your fellow person, Raca, which means worthless one or empty one, you shall be guilty to a higher Court, the Supreme Court. BUT WAIT, THERE’S MORE:
Jesus also said, whoever says to another, YOU FOOL shall be guilty and go to the fiery hell.
Do you see the progression? Jesus wants to make it clear to us that murder is horrible, but so is anger and name calling. In fact he treats name calling as if it’s worse than murder. Why is that? Because we’re quick to be against murder but we justify our hatredness and anger and name calling. There’s no justification for it and the sooner we realize it the better.
Is there someone you have ill feelings against? So much so that you find yourself angry with them or having a hate toward them, or gossip about them, and even resort to name calling?
God calls us to be reconciled with them. Take care of the problem now. Do it before you go before God In worship or devotion. Your time with God won’t mean much if you’re Carrying hatredness in your heart towards others. Be reconciled. If your friend refuses to work towards reconciliation, then take it to the Lord with forgiveness. Forgive them in your heart because until you do, you have a broken relationship with God. Be reconciled with God so that you are clean of any wrongdoing, clean of any bad thoughts. God is serious about our ill feelings towards others. Dead Serious – Fiery Hell Serious.
