JESUS SPEAKING
“You have heard it said long ago, ‘Do not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ But I tell you anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, ‘Raca,’ is answerable to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell” (Matthew 5: 21-22.)
INSPIRED THOUGHTS
Very few evil offenses can rival the act of murder. And yet murder, like so many sins, is merely the outward manifestation of an inward disposition. All actions originate from the depths of our souls. First century Judaism strongly stressed external adherence to the laws of God. Jesus however focused more on the heart; placing greater emphasis on internal obedience. And why not? After all, murder is nothing more than hatred which has grown to full maturity.. Unless the heart is continually cleansed, evil will take root and produce a plethora of unholy actions. God judges the inner man; so we must be careful to guard our hearts from evil. We can then accomplish His will upon this earth.
John Wilkes booth is one of the most famous assassins in U.S. history. On the evening of April 14th 1865, as the U.S. civil war drew to a close, President Abraham Lincoln was watching a play at Ford’s theater in Washington D.C. Suddenly Mr. Booth crept up behind the president and shot him in the back of the head with his pistol (a wound that proved fatal.) Although Booth escaped, he was later caught and killed. The enraged murderer had been a loyal southerner; disillusioned by what he perceived to be Northern aggression. Abraham Lincoln’s death, although tragic, wasn’t the result of an assassin’s bullet; instead it was the offspring of fully matured anger. Inward hatred had led to the deaths of both the 16th President of the United States of America.
Anger is difficult to contain; it is a seed that grows into hatred; and hatred eventually produces a sinful action. The Lord has therefore taught us that anger and murder are synonymous. God makes little distinction between the seed that enters the ground and the fruit that it ultimately produces. Search your heart; if you discover anger and resentment then discard it.. Receive His Holy Spirit and God will cleanse you of all unrighteousness. Let go of your hostility, and you too will experience the freedom of absolute forgiveness.
“Lord Heavenly Father, we ask and pray that You would let the truth of this scripture sink deep down into our hearts. Please cleanse our souls of every evil thought and unholy desire. Take away our anger and resentment. May we refrain from incorrectly judging others; knowing that you are the only righteous judge. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit and transform us from the inside out. We love You Father, we praise You, and we thank You, and we ask and pray all of these things, according to Your will, in Jesus Christ’s name. Amen.” God bless all of you!
Jesus Speaks 