Devotionals for July 30, 2024
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READ
Matthew 5:21-22
21 “You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’22 But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘Raca,’ is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell.
21 “You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’22 But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘Raca,’ is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell.
REFLECT
Rabbinic teachers would expound on prior teaching by saying “You have heard.” Thus, Jesus is expounding a prior message, not so much radically changing it or usurping it. ‘Raca’ is an Aramaic word for “empty-headed” or “worthless.” This passage should put to bed any debate about whether words can be harmful. Not only can rash, angry speech harm others, it is harmful to the soul of the one who utters it.
How often are we careless with our speech? How do we speak about those with whom we hold deep disagreements? How do we refer to those who do not vote as we do? Do you know that you will be held accountable for the way you speak even about those you dislike? Christians do not have a license to give full vent to their rage. This is the way of foolishness, the wide road that leads to destruction.
How often are we careless with our speech? How do we speak about those with whom we hold deep disagreements? How do we refer to those who do not vote as we do? Do you know that you will be held accountable for the way you speak even about those you dislike? Christians do not have a license to give full vent to their rage. This is the way of foolishness, the wide road that leads to destruction.
APPLY
Q: What does this passage teach about words?
Q: What kinds of sinful speech patterns do you need to repent of?
Q: How can you help keep others accountable to the truths Jesus is speaking here?
Q: What kinds of sinful speech patterns do you need to repent of?
Q: How can you help keep others accountable to the truths Jesus is speaking here?
SING
PRAY
"May your Kingdom come soon. May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven."
Lord, you taught us what it means to be Kingdom people. Help us to live that way now, in the waiting period before you return to your glorious kingdom!
Lord, you taught us what it means to be Kingdom people. Help us to live that way now, in the waiting period before you return to your glorious kingdom!