Today's Passage - Matthew 5:21-26

Matthew 5:21-26   "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.  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..."   "You shall not murder" is one of the Ten Commandments, but the Pharisees added the statement "anyone who murders will be subject to judgment", which distorted the commandment.  It seems to imply that as long as you don't murder, you are not subject to judgment.  Actually, the Lord said that "anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment."  In other word, being angry with a brother is same as killing someone, and we all know that sometimes our words are sharper than knife!  Many people are disheartened in their career development and weak in their daily life because of something that someone said a long time ago.  Therefore, we are careful when we speak to our kids; we often encourage them and we are afraid of hurting their self-esteem; however, we are less careful when we speak to our spouses, and without concern for their esteem we often criticize them in front of others.  We end up speaking harshly to each other and hurting each other.   This happens in the church as well.  Many people are hurt while serving; they were zealous for God before, but now they look defeated and don't want to do anything perhaps just because of one thing that others said.  Our words can truly hurt others and even bring forth death inside.  Every word of ours can bring forth blessings or curse, healing or damage, victory or defeat, hope or despair.  We must be extremely cautious and ask God to examine and anoint all our words, so that we can be used by Him.   Pray with Pastor Tong   Lord, please examine us and give us a prudent heart.  In our daily life, help us to speak our words prudently, so that we may speak blessings rather than curse, healing rather than damage, victory rather than defeat, and hope rather than despair.  I thank you and I pray in the victorious name of Jesus, amen!      Shekinah Glory - ROLCC Building Expansion Project - Follow us on our Facebook page!