Remember Matthew 5:17: “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.” (Matt 5:17, NIV2)

Fulfilment leads way beyond the letter of the law. Love supraceeds the written code: “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. (John 13:34, NIV)

Jesus is now going to illustrate what love looks like: “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.’ 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.” (Matt 5:22, NIV2)

Many among us would never have thought that we had any murderous intentions; however, who amongst us has never had any anger towards someone? Too often we forget that words can kill. These angry words seem so insignificant, but to the one they are directed at, they can be quite devastating! Who would have known the devastation that such angry words can harvest!

Our angry words are like viruses. Who would have known that diseases that affect us are caused by unseen entities called viruses, and at times even bacteria? We cannot see them! How could they wreak such havoc in our bodies?

Louis Pastor is the one who made this astounding discovery. Infectious diseases were all the result of micro-organisms that were capable of producing unnoticeable but deep changes in organic substances. That discovery revolutionized how we treat such illnesses.

May this discovery about angry words lead us to a revolution of love. May we learn to love everyone genuinely, even our enemies, as Jesus did and still does! Then we will know what real living means!

A hug and a smile are way better than death bestowing words!

Rob Chaffart

(To access the entire “Majestic Mountain View” devotional series, please click here.)