Have you ever murdered someone? Most likely not. After all, "You shall not murder" is one of the Ten Commandments, right? The song about the Ten Commandments that I love is Earth, Wind, and Fire's "In the Stone."
"Maurice White of Earth, Wind & Fire wrote this with David Foster and Allee Willis. Many of Earth, Wind & Fire's songs are about looking beyond the surface for a deeper meaning. In this one, Maurice White sings about an abiding love that is written in stone." www.songfacts.com
So, the lyrics don't say the stone is the tablets the Ten Commandments were written on, but what else could it be? After all, the Top 10 were originally written to reveal the character of God and to guide His people towards civility. Even Jesus, when He came on the scene 3000+ years later, summed them up this way, "Love God and Love Others."
But he actually presented a 2.0 version beginning in the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew, chapter 5. He was really "killing two birds with one stone" here. The "first bird" was to edify His audience with this powerful sermon, covering several topics on how to love one another better, like not being quick to judge others, helping those in need, having healthy and lasting relationships, and so much more. The 'second bird" was to admonish the Jewish leaders of the day. You see, they were gatekeepers of the Law, but were hypocritical about it. You see, because the Ten Commandments were really an impossible standard to keep as a whole, this caused them to show outward signs of obedience with insincere motives. That's why Jesus called them "whitewashed tombs" (Matthew 23:27). In a sense, they majored on the minors and then required everybody else to do the same, causing many to stray from what was really on God's heart.
One of the first commandments He took up a notch was, "You shall not murder." When was the last time you murdered someone? Allow me to break this down for you...
The Hebrew word used in Exodus 20:13 for murder is L-Tz-Ch, which relates to a premeditated or planned killing which has both motive and means. In today's terms, it is murder in the 1st degree, which according to scripture, deserves the death penalty. Jesus takes this command up a notch, though.
Jesus said, "anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment." You mean being angry with someone is equivalent to murder? Yes. You have to remember, a brother or sister usually referred to fellow believers in Christ, who represents the universal church of Christ, and is the Bride of Christ. As a result, He doesn't want His bride to have internal consternation. In stead, He wants peace and harmony in the Body. Anger and bitterness divides rather than unites. Check this out...
1 John 3:15 ESV / Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him.
Murdering someone relationally, especially a brother or sister in the Lord, is what Jesus and John were getting to in this passage. But murder doesn't just happen. It takes time to get to the point when you want to kill someone, and the longer it takes, the more time bitterness has opportunities to take root and create a huge relational chasm between the one you are angry with.
"When the root is bitterness, imagine what the fruit might be." Woodrow Kroll
"The medical evidence is clear and mounting. It's no exaggeration to say that bitterness is a dangerous drug in any dosage and that your very health is at risk if you stubbornly persist in being unforgiving." Lee Strobel
Not sure what the "judgment" refers to in the Matthew 5 passage, but there certainly is a natural consequence that serves as a horrific judgment that affects daily life. And the longer it festers, it actually grows to epic proportions. The reality is, the sooner you uproot this evil nemesis, the sooner you will get your life back! Unfortunately, if you are reading this and you're far down this bitter stream, it will require everything you've got - but it's worth it!
Wherever you are in the process, it all starts with acknowledging that your anger has turned to bitterness towards someone. The next important step is to turn to God. He will be the source of strength through this uphill process. Ask God for His forgiveness and revel in His love and grace. it is best to recruit someone that can help you through each step of the way. They can pray for you, keep you encouraged and hopeful, and on track. Take the time to mourn the loss of your bitterness resulting in loss of time and relationship. Then prayerfully start.
1. Ask for forgiveness. Let them know what you were angry about. Be as specific as possible without reigniting the feelings.
2. Know that they might not know something was wrong. More often than not, your anger and bitterness churned within you without their knowledge.
3. Work at reconciliation. Even though your relationship will probably never be the same, a reconciled relationship is what Jesus wants for your benefit.
Note: there will be ups and downs through the process, but keep at it. Remember, you are only responsible for your responses and offering the opportunity for reconciliation.
This is especially important if that person is your spouse. Forgive, extend grace, forgive, extend grace, forgive, extend grace, etc. This is super important. Oneness - being on the same page - is what reflects the relationship between Christ and the Church. And Jesus was very clear that reconciliation is even more important than going to church!
"Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift." (Matthew 5:23-24)
Our love for each other shows our love for Him. So, resolve any anger quickly so that it doesn't develop a bitterness root. Love, love, love! This is the antidote.
"Bitterness imprisons life; love releases it. Bitterness paralyzes life; love empowers it. Bitterness sours life; love sweetens it. Bitterness sickens life; love heals it. Bitterness blinds life; love anoints its eyes." Harry Emerson Fosdick
Stay tuned for more wisdom from Jesus on Matthew 5:22...
