Scripture: Matthew 5: 22-30
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,’[d] is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell.
23 “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, 24 leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.
25 “Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court. Do it while you are still together on the way, or your adversary may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison. 26 Truly I tell you, you will not get out until you have paid the last penny.
27 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’[e] 28 But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart. 29 If your right eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. 30 And if your right hand causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into hell.
Scripture Commentary:
Anger is a great sin. It violates God’s command to love. Broken relationships can hinder our relationship with God. In Jesus’ day, someone who couldn’t pay a debt was subject to judgment and thrown into prison until the debt was paid. We should resolve our differences before anger causes more trouble.
Acting out sinful desires is the beginning of rebellion against God. Sinful action is more dangerous than sinful desire. That is why desires shouldn’t be acted out. Jesus says to rid yourself of the body part that could cause you to sin. He is saying that it’s better to experience the pain of removal than to spend eternity in hell.
Read the Entire Chapter of the Scripture Referenced:
Read the last two weeks of commentary on Matthew Chapter 5:
Jesus Didn’t Come to Undo the Law. He Fulfills It.
Let God Guide Your Moral Compass
Note: For the remainder of the summer, we will post once a week on Monday. Please join us next week as we explore more verses from Matthew Chapter 5.