The Clean Gift

Sacred Gifts and Holy Gatherings
Four Weddings and a Funeral
A Wedding in Cana

Matthew 5:22-26  The Message

Murder

^21-22 “You’re familiar with the command to the ancients, ‘Do not murder.’ I’m telling you that anyone who is so much as angry with a brother or sister is guilty of murder. Carelessly call a brother ‘idiot!’ and you just might find yourself hauled into court. Thoughtlessly yell ‘stupid!’ at a sister and you are on the brink of hellfire. The simple moral fact is that words kill.

^23-24 “This is how I want you to conduct yourself in these matters. If you enter your place of worship and, about to make an offering, you suddenly remember a grudge a friend has against you, abandon your offering, leave immediately, go to this friend and make things right. Then and only then, come back and work things out with God.
^25-26 “Or say you’re out on the street and an old enemy accosts you. Don’t lose a minute. Make the first move; make things right with him. After all, if you leave the first move to him, knowing his track record, you’re likely to end up in court, maybe even jail. If that happens, you won’t get out without a stiff fine.

For Reflection 

Think back on your life. What was said to you that has had a long lasting troubling effect?  God made us creative in God's image. Why, then, do we choose to be destructive?

Pray

prayers to the living God so that you can become more creative, so that you can use your words to build up a person, so that you can find ways to exercise your compassion.