21 “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.’ 22 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. Matthew 5:21-22
When you ask non-Believers people about their sins, they’ll frequently mention that they’re not as bad as the murderers or other hard core criminals.
Jesus made a stunning revelation in this verse (and several more to come).
Of course most have not murdered, but have you hated? Have you hated so much that you’d like to kill that person?
We all have, even those who think they have all kinds of love in their hearts toward mankind.
The realities of life, of bills, work, relationships, and society bear down on us hard. People frustrate us.
As an example, after six or seven successive frustrating encounters in the same afternoon, we want to lash out at Number 8 even though she had nothing to do with the first seven, and is only one tiny frustration for that afternoon. Scenarios like that have happened to all of us.
Day after day of these frustrations wear down our defenses and we can become embittered and spiteful.
If we’re not careful we can lose the joy and peace we have. Much worse, though, we can damage our reputations – the same reputations we’ve been trying to build for years. Lastly, we can be a poor witness for Christ.
So, what’s the remedy?
Daily connectedness to Christ.
Better still, hourly connectedness.
Give the frustrations to Him early and often. Give over anger and bitterness before they become a problem.
As the old song says,
Give them all (give them all)
Give them all (give them all.)
Give them all to Jesus
Shattered dreams, wounded hearts, broken toys
Give them all (give them all)
Give them all (give them all.)
Give them all to Jesus
And he will turn your sorrows into joy.
https://youtu.be/Whdd4fs3RB8