Matthew 5:21-22 (NRSV)
Read Matthew 5:21-22 on biblegateway.com
Verse 21"You have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, 'You shall not murder'; and 'whoever murders shall be liable to judgment.' Verse 22But I say to you that if you are angry with a brother or sister, you will be liable to judgment; and if you insult a brother or sister, you will be liable to the council; and if you say, 'You fool,' you will be liable to the hell of fire.
Devotion
We have been hearing more in the media in recent months about the harmfulness of bullying in our schools and in our society. Jesus already had it figured out in His Sermon on the Mount: Don't take your anger out on someone else; don't insult others; and certainly don't call people names that denigrate them. It is not enough to just avoid murder; bullying someone else is a lot like murder. Bullying can be done overtly or on a very subtle level. It is harmful and wrong, either way. (On rare occasions, we have even seen where a victim of bullying has lashed out, retaliating with murderous intent.)
Jesus takes the call of God in our lives to a whole new and deeper level. How we use our words is so important. We are called to be truthful, but kind, to build up and love. It is a matter of the heart.
Prayer
Set a guard over my mouth, O Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips. Amen