“You have heard that our ancestors were told, ‘You must not murder. If you commit murder, you are subject to judgment.’ But I say, if you are even angry with someone, you are subject to judgment! If you call someone an idiot, you are in danger of being brought before the court. And if you curse someone, you are in danger of the fires of hell.
Matthew 5:21-22 NLT
Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.
Proverbs 4:23 NLT
In these verses, Jesus teaches us about our heart. The law states “you must not murder.” Before the murder occurs, what is in the heart of the murderer? Is it love or hate? Does the feeling of anger lead to hate? Does hate lead to murder?
Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life. What are you thinking about? Thoughts lead to feelings which lead to actions. For example, I saw an ad about a donut. I am thinking about the donut. I feel hungry for the donut. I go to buy the donut.
Someone offends me. I feel angry. The feelings of anger intensify. I begin to wish bad things on the person. Hate develops in my heart.
Dear Heavenly and all-knowing Father, thank you for your Word. Thank you for teaching us about our hearts and what it can lead to. Help us to meditate on your Words. Teach us to be more like you and less like us. In Jesus’ name. Amen.