7/26/11- Anger as Killing

    ²¹ “You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder,^] and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ ²² But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister^[b][c] will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘Raca,’ is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell.  (Mt. 5:21-22)

Adam and Eve Mourn Abel's death- William Adolphe Bougereau 1888

Thoughts: In a day in which many try to water down especially this command (some rationalize away abortion and euthanasia)  - so that it says only what we ecpect it to say- and not challenge us- Jesus does the opposite. Instead of watering down, he ratchets up the restrictions.  Every day anger is the breaking of this command.  Cursing another is breaking this command. 

Prayer; May I see the importance of your loce- even in the face of death.

John CalvinAbridged:  The purpose of this commandment is this: the Lord has bound humankind together by a certain unity; heace each one ought to concern themselves with the safety of all.  To sum up, all violence, injury and any harmful thing at all that may inure our neighbor's body is forbidden to us.  If we find anything to use for the salvation of our neighbor we should employ it.  If it leads to their peace we are to use it.