We all know the law, ‘do not murder’.
- I’m telling you that anyone who is so much as angry with another is guilty of murder.
- Carelessly call another ‘idiot!’ and you might find yourself facing judgement.
- Thoughtlessly yell ‘loser!’ at another, and you are on the brink of hellfire.
The simple moral fact is that words kill.
For the record, Jesus said anger and insult are pretty much the same as murder. (Mt 5:21-22) Put down, beat down, force down, or push away; all the same rot.
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A good heart is patient and kind.
A good heart does not dishonor others.
A good heart does not easily become angry.
A good heart does not keep track of other people's wrongs.
And a strong, loving heart apologizes sincerely when it has done wrong.
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Troublemaker 5:48 “In a word, what I’m saying is grow up. You’re kingdom subjects. Now live like it. Live out your God-created identity. Live generously and graciously toward others, the way God lives toward you.” (Ref)
We're challenged to grow and change; not easy at all.
Jesus was a subversive. According to his culture, he loved all the wrong people. According to his culture, he did everything wrong. How do we reconcile his teaching with our own political ideology and current culture? What does a strong position look like?