DEALING WITH A MURDEROUS HEART
In a world drowning in violence, where lives are taken callously and anger simmers just beneath the surface, the urgency of addressing the prevalent culture of murder, anger, and hatred cannot be overstated. God’s commandment, “You shall not murder” from Exodus 20:12, serves as a guiding light in these dark times, reminding us that the sin of murder isn’t merely confined to physical acts but resides within the depths of our hearts.
Recognizing the Depth of the Commandment:
Jesus, in Matthew 5:21-26, sheds profound light on this commandment. He redefines murder, stating that harbouring anger, bitterness, and hatred within our hearts is the same to committing the act itself. It's not just about refraining from physical violence but also banishing the festering anger and resentment lurking in our hearts. We are accountable not only for our actions but also for what dwells in our hearts.
Reconciliation as a Mandate:
The urgency to reconcile is paramount. Jesus emphasizes that reconciliation isn't a passive act but an active one. When we are aware of someone's anger towards us, we are called to initiate reconciliation, not waiting for a convenient time but acting with urgency. Reconciliation isn’t just about avoiding confrontation but actively seeking restoration and healing in broken relationships.
Facing the Reality of Our Hearts:
Pride often imprisons our hearts, preventing reconciliation and leading to spiritual condemnation. Jesus warns us about the consequences of unresolved relationships, highlighting the danger of allowing pride to rule our hearts. Unresolved anger can lead to a prison of our own making, where we are bound by our pride, never truly finding freedom.
Rejecting Anger and Hatred:
Living out this commandment means rejecting not only physical violence but also the anger, hatred, bitterness, revenge, resentment, and unforgiveness that threaten to consume our hearts. Just as we reject being murderers, we must vehemently reject these negative emotions making their home in our hearts, understanding the gravity of our thoughts and attitudes.
Ministering to Hearts:
Living differently in a world plagued by hatred means finding healing from the anger and hatred in our hearts and to those in need of reconciliation. It involves actively seeking out those who harbour resentment against us and humbly pursuing reconciliation. It means blessing those who persecute us, seeking peace, and overcoming evil with good, as stated in Romans 12:14-21.
In a culture of murder, anger, and hatred, our response as believers must be rooted in righteous anger, prayer, and proactive efforts to dismantle this evil. As we reject the murderer within us, we must also reject the anger, bitterness, and unforgiveness that threaten to consume our hearts. By embracing reconciliation and ministering to those in need, we become agents of transformation in a broken world. The urgency of this task cannot be overstated. Let us rise to the challenge, living out God’s commandment, and ushering in a culture of love, understanding, and reconciliation.