Wednesday, July 15, 2009

The Murderer in Me

This week my reflections are on the 6th Commandment: "You shall not murder". Recently I recieved a call about an abusive husband who had a long history that I was aware of involving betrayal, verbal abuse, and now was becoming physical. Over time, my opinion of this person has degenerated and then the latest news came of a particularly dispicable act toward the woman and then out of my mouth it came, "That man is an idiot". I wanted to call him a fool but I know what Jesus says about that.
Matthew 5:21-22 (NIV)
21 "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.

I'm no axe murderer, but niether are the guys Jesus is talking about above. Apparently Jesus magnifies the 6th Command to include the way we regard others in our heart and mind. According to Him viewing others as worthless (Raca) or thinking someone is an idiot or moron (Fool)is a murderous proposition that endangers us for serious judgement.
I am thinking about this today as I don't want to be a murderer at heart.

1 comment:

Allie Garcia said...

You are smart. Im glad youre our pastor.