Remember Matthew 5:17: "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the
Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them." (Matt 5:17,
NIV2)
Fulfilment leads way beyond the letter of the law. Love supraceeds the written
code: "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you
must love one another. (John 13:34, NIV)
Jesus is now going to illustrate what love looks like: "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.' But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a
brother or sister 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." (Matt 5:22, NIV2)
Many among us would never have thought that we had any murderous intentions;
however, who amongst us has never had any anger towards someone? Too often we
forget that words can kill. These angry words seem so insignificant, but to the
one they are directed at, they can be quite devastating! Who would have known
the devastation that such angry words can harvest!
Our angry words are like viruses. Who would have known that diseases that affect
us are caused by unseen entities called viruses, and at times even bacteria? We
cannot see them! How could they wreak such havoc in our bodies?
Louis Pastor is the one who made this astounding discovery. Infectious diseases
were all the result of micro-organisms that were capable of producing
unnoticeable but deep changes in organic substances. That discovery
revolutionized how we treat such illnesses.
May this discovery about angry words lead us to a revolution of love. May we
learn to love everyone genuinely, even our enemies, as Jesus did and still does!
Then we will know what real living means!
A hug and a smile are way better than death bestowing words!
Rob Chaffart
The Illustrator: This daily newsletter is dedicated to encouraging
everyone to look towards Jesus as the source of all the solutions to our
problems. It contains a daily inspirational story, a Bible verse and encouraging
messages. HTML and plain text versions available.
The Nugget: Published three times a week, this newsletter features inspirational devotionals and mini-sermons dedicated to drawing mankind closer to each other and to Christ.