Oh how often we give in to the temptation of telling someone off. We see someone making a mistake, and we are quick to let them know what we think.

Jesus says, "But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to th judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, 'Raca,' is answerable to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, 'You fool!' will be in danger of the fire of hell."

Jesus refines an old Testament law even more sharply. The old commandments, from God no less, - said, "Do not murder." The Jews had over the centuries, spelled out various levels of judgment for a murdering deed. But now Jesus says, it's not just the deed God is going to judge and punish, but the very thought or attitude out of which a murder springs.

The Sanhedrin would drag you before the court for libel against another, but Jesus defines it even finer when He says, thinking less of another puts you in danger of hellfire. Whew! That makes telling someone off risky business!

When I was a young teen, about 12-16 this passage often had me under conviction of sin, for I was ashamed of my brother Ernie, and wished he'd never been born. I begged God to give me His love for my brother as I honestly couldn't even think kindly of him.

Have you ever told someone off, and called him a fool, or stupid? Did you know this puts you in danger of hell? If hateful, despising thoughts keep us out of Heaven, what are murderous thoughts and deeds going to do? Oh-veh! We are a hateful, murderous lot of people. There can't be anyone free of this sin! Read on. There is a solution!

Consider the wisdom in Jesus' finer interpretation. If the people in the family of God dare not even think rude or I'm better-than-you thoughts, the standards are very high. But I'd rather spend eternity with a Heaven full of loving people, than where there is danger of someone even looking down their nose at me, wouldn't you? So let's be very careful of telling someone off.

PRAYER: Oh Lord, to think I can identify with that horribly wicked Herod today! I have sinned and need Your forgiveness, but also Your help to control my reactions. Especially in my writings for that's where I wield the power of words and influence others.

P.S. P.S. Just graduating from high school in a small town in Saskatchewan, Canada, Ruthe commutes to the city of Saskatoon as a telephone operator. BUT in her off hours, she gets involved in the lives of the abused, bereaved, dying and spiritually hungry. Read some of Ruthe's Story, then order the book HERE

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