You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘Raca,’ is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell.
Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift. Matthew 5:21-24
In His amazing sermon on the mount, Jesus articulated the immeasurable value of life and relationships. These are so important that he amplified God’s law to demonstrate the mistake of even demeaning someone in our heart, let alone ever murdering them. Jesus continues His teaching by reminding us that being right with each other is a prerequisite to acceptable worship.
God, I thank you for this gift of life. Help me value the lives of others so much that I would always reflect Your heart for the priority of love and fellowship. I don’t want to murder anyone in my heart. And I want to experience the beauty of god-given relationships.
