Murder In the Heart
Photo by Peter Forster on Unsplash
“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.” (Matthew 5:21-22 NIV) [see full text in button/link below]
Motives of the heart
Communication and the motives of our heart. The way something is said is as crucial as the message itself when communicating. But we often overlook the importance of why something is said. We need to understand the motive of the heart behind the words.
As parents, we teach our children what to say through prompts and repetition—“Say please … say thank you … tell Nana (or Papa or other relative) I love you.” When children are young, we can coerce them to say words, but we can’t change what’s in their hearts. This becomes clearer as they get older.
As adults, we learn to conceal our true feelings when we mouth the words others expect to hear. The disconnect between the words spoken and the motives of the heart is easy to miss. Sometimes, we need to take things at face value. At other times, we need discernment to determine if there is a disconnect between what people say and what’s in their hearts.
The more we conceal our true feelings and the intent of our heart, the more we become jaded, disingenuous, and even deceive ourselves. When we excuse saying things carelessly or recklessly, we can claim, “Oh, I didn’t mean it.” And, if we continue to speak without thinking, we delude ourselves into believing this justification.
Insights
When there is a disconnect between our words and our hearts, we are being disingenuous. And this is a deception that carries over to all our relationships, even our closest ones. In turn, this pattern creeps into our relationship with the Lord.
This carryover of insincerity into our relationship with God is nothing new. It took place throughout the history of Israel, seen through what the prophet Isaiah spoke—
“The multitude of your sacrifices—what are they to me?” says the LORD …
“Stop bringing meaningless offerings! … When you spread out your hands in prayer, I hide my eyes from you; even when you offer many prayers, I am not listening. Your hands are full of blood!” (Isaiah 1:11, 13, 15 NIV)
The Lord saw the disconnect between the words and the hearts of His people and rebuked them for it. This is what Jesus does in redefining God’s Law. He rebukes the Jewish leaders for how they disconnected the truth of the Law from its original intent.
Redefining the Nature of God’s Kingdom
Beginning in verse 21, we see Jesus use the phrase, “You have heard that it was said … But I tell you … ” Jesus repeats what the people were told by their rabbis and other spiritual leaders, then restores the original intent of God’s Law.
What became distorted by interpretations and traditions, Jesus reframed in a clearer sense why the Law said what it said. Jesus gave the intent of God’s heart for how His people should treat each other.
In ancient times, few people had access to the written Law. Many were illiterate, while others only had basic reading skills. The majority of God’s people were dependent upon their leaders, who were the educated elites. This was true in the time of Jesus and the early church.
Many of the people committed to memory certain portions of the Law, even as people memorize the Bible today. But for a deeper understanding, they relied on the scribes and teachers of the Law.
Jesus wanted people to understand the truth of the Law in a simple and practical way.
The Law was intended as a guide for daily life for those who trusted in the One, True, and Living God. When Jesus said, “But I tell you …,” He spoke with the authority of His Father as the Son of God.
Jesus declares that forbidding murder goes deeper than the act of killing someone with malice. It begins in the heart, which stirs emotions and thoughts that precede actions.
“Raca” was an expression of contempt, like saying, “You stupid imbecile!” Calling someone a fool was a slight against their moral character or lack of integrity. When we have such thoughts, whether or not expressed, Jesus says we have murder in our hearts because such attitudes and thoughts can lead to the act of murder, if not resolved.
It’s this underlying attitude of the offended heart that Jesus addresses. He emphasizes the need for reconciliation with others. When we offend others or someone offends us, we typically justify our rightness. But Jesus tells us it’s better to be reconciled than right.
As mentioned before, righteousness is relational. Our efforts to comply with external laws and rules are not what God is seeking from us. God is more concerned with our hearts. When we go to church regularly, serve others, give offerings, and share our faith with others, this may look good to others. But God wants us to deal with the intents and attitudes of our hearts first.
Authenticity in relationships surpasses the illusion of righteousness.
This pleases the Lord more than any righteousness of our own.
Reflection—
Jesus warns us that murder goes deeper than the act of killing someone with malice. It starts with contempt and hate for others in our hearts, which stirs our emotions and thoughts that precede the act.
Prayer Focus—
When you realize you have unresolved anger or resentment toward others, reconcile with them so your heart is free to honor God in a way that pleases Him. Ask Him for mercy and grace to penetrate your heart and flow through you toward others.
This is an excerpt from a soon-to-be-published book called The Heart and Soul of God’s Kingdom. Look for it on Amazon with my other books— Trip Kimball on Amazon
