May 6, 2014 Remember to Love

Remember to Love

Matthew 5:21-22 “You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘Do not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ 22 But I tell you that 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.”  

“LOVE is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.” (1 Cor 13:4)

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22-23)

    

JESUS’ teaching regarding anger is a wakeup call to all of us, isn’t it? We often look upon anger as an emotion that someone else or something else causes in us. “I’m angry because he insulted me.” “I’m angry it’s raining, and it has ruined my plans today.”

     But anger always comes from within us. Anger is most often a sinful response to the insults, the inconveniences and all the things that go wrong in life. Anger does harm to oneself and it can terribly even lead to murder.

     Jesus speaks against “raca” meaning worthless or empty one. This is verbal abuse, minimizing and negating human value. Such verbal abuse is akin to murder. Such abusive sin will lead to punishment in the torment of hell.

     Focus on this command to consider how you can reconsider your emotions. Then consider the two passages from Paul’s letters to the churches in Corinth and Galatia. These words are a good teacher’s words to help you know the way to live into Jesus’ command.

LIFE Link: Remember, love God and love one another.