15.06.2021

(Matthew 5:21-22) Are we really literally guilty of murder by hatred or anger? Why?

Bible passages:
Matthew 5:21-22, James 3:2, Matthew 15:19, John 3, John 1, Colossians 4:5-6, Matthew 18:6

Discussion:
Jesus told His disciples that their righteousness must exceed the Pharisees. Matthew 5:20 “For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven”.

Key points that Jesus declared in Matthew 23:
1. The Pharisees do not practice what they preach Matthew 23:Matthew 23:53 
2. The Pharisees do things for others to see 
3. The Pharisees love to be honoured and take most important seat in the synagogue Matthew 23:6
There are other points in the chapter.
Jesus wants our righteousness to be of higher standard, He used the word murder because there is life and death in the power of tongue Proverbs 18:21.
Every Christians needs to be mindful of what they say and how they say things. Word of mouth could kill someone emotionally or spiritually; it could also drive people away from Christ.
James 3:2 We can make mistake but we should have self control. Jesus wants us to control our tongue, anger / hatred.
James 3:9-10 stated that the tongue we are using to praise God should not be used for cursing.

An important lesson:
Whatever sin we commit starts from the heart. Example of how lustful looking leads to murder. 
1. David sent his warriors out and he stayed behind (idleness) 2Samuel 11:1
2. David saw Bathsheba bathing; she was beautiful (lustful looking) 2Samuel 11:2-3
3. David did not deal with the sin; instead he called for the woman - Bathsheba.  
4. David slept with Bathsheba 2Samuel 11:4 (adultery)
5. Bathsheba became pregnant, David tried to cover up by lying
6. David ordered to put Uriah (Bathsheba’s husband) in a difficult position at the war zone. 
7. Uriah was killed, David stole his wife - Bathsheba.
This pattern shows that we must deal with sin immediately as it could leads to something greater which might be out of control.
Matthew 5:21-22 make reference to anger / hatred and verse 25 Jesus told His disciples to settle matters quickly. 
Ephesians 4:26 be angry and do not sin. Don’t let the sun go down on your anger
We need to be proactive in dealing with sin - anger / hatred instantly. Holy Spirit resides in born again Christians; it is imperative to yield to the Spirit of God. 

Praise God