“You have heard that the ancients were told, ‘You shall not commit murder’ and ‘Whoever commits murder shall be liable to the court.’ But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother shall be guilty before the court; and whoever says to his brother, ‘You good for nothing!’ shall be guilty before the supreme court; and whoever says, ‘You fool,’ shall be guilty enough to go into fiery hell.” – Matthew 5:21-22
God doesn’t mince words when it comes to the Ten Commandments.
For example, He tells us that we shouldn’t murder. Most of us breathe a sigh of relief on this one, knowing we’ve probably never actually killed anyone. (I can hear you exclaiming, “Hey, I got one right!” as you check one off the list.)
While that commandment does seem to be clear-cut, Jesus raised the bar. He explains how God’s standards are even higher than man’s. He tells us that not only is murder a sin but even thinking about it is, as well!
Now, this makes it a little tougher, right?
Jesus says that God weighs whether or not our hearts and our thoughts are in line. If we lose our cool with someone and we start calling them names, we’re in danger of hell because we have broken this commandment on murder! Now that seems unfair, doesn’t it? But Jesus is clear. God doesn’t just judge us by our actions, but also by our thoughts and the desires of our hearts.
So, who among us can pass that test?
None of us.
Fortunately, Jesus has paid our penalty. And all you have to do to accept this sacrifice is to agree to turn your life over to Him and accept His priceless gift of forgiveness.
The Ten Commandments remind us that we all are in need of a Savior.
Are you?
In need of a Savior?
Written by Bryant Wright, Founder, RFTH
