Thursday, January 10, 2019

Do Not Remain Unreconciled

21 “You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.’ 22 But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be liable to the hell of fire. 23 So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, 24 leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.25 Come to terms quickly with your accuser while you are going with him to court, lest your accuser hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the guard, and you be put in prison. 26 Truly, I say to you, you will never get out until you have paid the last penny. (Matthew 5)
Jesus has just told his followers to not ignore God's Rules, His commandments, or replace them with our own.  He does not want us to confuse God's Grace with a "make-an-excuse-for-everything" kind of lifestyle.  God's rules still reflect His character.  Grace helps us go deeper that the "rules". First of all, murder is an act of uncontrolled anger. Anger unattended or misapplied can lead to murder and all sorts of other sins against another person. This does not characterize a child of God.  Yet, I meet so many people who profess Christ, yet allow anger to keep them from speaking to others, spend time with them, and wish evil against them.  These are the seeds of murder, just like Cain did to Abel.  The point is simple: Be reconciled; don't be a murderer waiting to happen. 

No comments:

Post a Comment