The Heart of the Law on Murder

Relationships are one of God's greatest gifts to us. From our relationships we get great things like safety, security, love, help, and growth. But what happens when strife enters a relationship? What if the strife goes unresolved and turns into anger, bitterness, or something worse? How does God want citizens of His Kingdom to respond? In this passage from the Sermon on the Mount, we see God's true heart for Christian relationships and learn two guidelines for living it out in our lives.

“You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.’ But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be liable to the hell of fire.

So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. Come to terms quickly with your accuser while you are going with him to court, lest your accuser hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the guard, and you be put in prison. Truly, I say to you, you will never get out until you have paid the last penny. This is the word of God.

- Matthew 5:21-26