Matthew 5:21-26
Murder
“You’re familiar
with the command to the ancients, ‘Do not murder.’ I’m telling you that anyone
who is so much as angry with a brother or sister is guilty of murder.
Carelessly call a brother ‘idiot!’ and you just might find yourself hauled into
court. Thoughtlessly yell ‘stupid!’ at a sister and you are on the brink of
hellfire. The simple moral fact is that words kill.
“This is how I want
you to conduct yourself in these matters. If you enter your place of worship
and, about to make an offering, you suddenly remember a grudge a friend has
against you, abandon your offering, leave immediately, go to this friend and
make things right. Then and only then, come back and work things out with God.
“Or say you’re out
on the street and an old enemy accosts you. Don’t lose a minute. Make the first
move; make things right with him. After all, if you leave the first move to
him, knowing his track record, you’re likely to end up in court, maybe even
jail. If that happens, you won’t get out without a stiff fine.
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