Today’s passage: Matthew 5:21-26
Helpful thoughts:
- Murder is a result of anger/hatred in the heart. God looks at the heart. So anger in the heart is liable to judgement and the other outward manifestations of anger (e.g. verbal insults) will be held to the same standard and consequences.
- Resolving conflict with others must precede an act of worship.
- Resolving conflict is an act of repentance. You cannot ask God to forgive you while refusing to repent.
- Reconciling with your accuser “while you are going” gives the idea of a speedy resolution.
- Reconcile as soon as possible.
- Reconcile quickly.
Questions to consider:
- Is there any unsettled anger in your heart?
- Are there any people you have unresolved conflict with that you have not yet sought to reconcile? (If you need help here, let me know!)
- If it was totally up to us, would we ever be able to pay “every last penny?” Can we truly make up for everything we have done wrong in our relationships?
- To what major need is Jesus pointed us? How can we pay our debt?