RULES: WEEK 4—THE HEART BEHIND THE LAW

Tuesday—Matthew 5:21-26
Murder was prohibited by the law from the beginning. The Jews, like most of us today, can cross that sin off of our temptation list. But wait, Jesus said the law prohibited more than just taking the physical life of a brother or sister. The spirit of the law is more complex and, frankly, hits me right where I am. My anger at another can be sinful. It can keep me from being able to connect with God in worship. The law against murder was meant to point my heart to God in such a way that I would move toward reconciliation in my relationships. Anger that festers is damaging. It may be against the law to murder another, but Jesus’ way is one of reconciliation when there is brokenness in relationships.