The Heart Behind the Action
Matthew 5:21-26
Jesus shocked His listeners by equating anger with murder. The Pharisees believed righteousness came from avoiding outward sin, but Jesus exposed the heart issue. Murder begins long before the act—it starts with unchecked anger, insults that devalue others, and hatred that festers in darkness. We cannot claim to love God while harboring contempt for those made in His image. This isn't about behavior modification; it's about heart transformation. Today, examine your heart honestly. Are there people you've dehumanized with your words or thoughts? Have you stripped away someone's God-given dignity because they vote, worship, or live differently? Righteousness flows from what we become, not merely what we avoid. Surrender your anger to Jesus and ask Him to create a clean heart within you.
Jesus shocked His listeners by equating anger with murder. The Pharisees believed righteousness came from avoiding outward sin, but Jesus exposed the heart issue. Murder begins long before the act—it starts with unchecked anger, insults that devalue others, and hatred that festers in darkness. We cannot claim to love God while harboring contempt for those made in His image. This isn't about behavior modification; it's about heart transformation. Today, examine your heart honestly. Are there people you've dehumanized with your words or thoughts? Have you stripped away someone's God-given dignity because they vote, worship, or live differently? Righteousness flows from what we become, not merely what we avoid. Surrender your anger to Jesus and ask Him to create a clean heart within you.
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