Before you congratulate yourself for not transgressing this prohibition against murder consider Jesus application of this command: “You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ’Do not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgement’. But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgement. 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.” (Matthew 5:21-22) You can deliver death to people’s souls by your words. But you can also say things that will make them come to life spiritually. Words can be a deadly weapon or a life-giving medicine. As human beings we were created with an inherent authority to influence each other for better or for worse. We wield this influence by what we say. By our words we testify to the good news about Jesus, and God uses this to regenerate the hearts of people. In this way our words can deliver eternal life. But our words can also curse and by this curse we can crush a person’s spirit. Jesus wants us to see that the sixth commandment is a prohibition against destroying lives by word or deed. We were created to give life, not destroy it. You have the opportunity every day to give life to others through words of love and truth.
Think about who you can bless and affirm today.
Reflect on Exodus 20:13 & Matthew 5:21-24
