“You have heard that the ancients were told, ‘You shall not murder,’ and ‘Whoever commits murder shall be answerable to the court.’ But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother shall be answerable to the court; and whoever says to his brother, ‘You good-for-nothing,’ shall be answerable to the supreme court; and whoever says, ‘You fool,’ shall be guilty enough to go into the fiery hell. Therefore, if you are presenting your offering at the altar, and there you remember that your brother has something against you, leave your offering there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and present your offering. Come to good terms quickly with your accuser at the law, while you are with him on the way there, so that your accuser will not hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the officer, and you will not be thrown into prison. Truly I say to you, you will not come out of there until you have paid up the last quadrans.”
Jesus exposes the deeper reality behind the commandment, “You shall not murder.” Murder doesn’t begin with the hand; it begins with the heart. Anger, insult, and contempt are seeds that can grow into destructive actions if left unchecked.
In God’s eyes, harboring anger or speaking words of scorn carries the same weight as outward violence, because both reveal a heart far from love. Jesus calls His followers to take reconciliation seriously—even above religious rituals. Worship that ignores broken relationships is incomplete.
By urging us to reconcile quickly, Jesus shows us that unresolved conflict is dangerous both spiritually and practically. Instead of letting anger fester, He invites us to pursue peace.
Why It Matters
We often excuse anger or harsh words as “small sins,” but Jesus warns us that they are serious. The Kingdom life is not about external rule-keeping—it’s about transformed hearts that seek peace and reconciliation. This matters because relationships are at the center of God’s design. When we pursue reconciliation, we reflect His heart and preserve unity in the body of Christ.
A Prayer for Today
Father, forgive me for the times I have allowed anger, bitterness, or harsh words to rule my heart. Search me and reveal where I need to seek reconciliation. Give me humility to take the first step toward peace, and fill me with Your Spirit to love others as You love me. Amen.
Questions to Guide Your Reflection
- How does Jesus’ teaching challenge the way you view anger and harsh words?
- Is there someone you need to reconcile with before you can fully worship God?
- How can you practice quick reconciliation instead of letting conflicts linger?
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