““You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder; and
whoever murders will be liable to judgment.’ But I say to you that everyone who
is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother
will be liable to the council; and whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be liable to the
hell of fire.”
Matthew 5:21-22 ESV
https://www.bible.com/59/mat.5.21-22.esv
““You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I say to
you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already
committed adultery with her in his heart.”
Matthew 5:27-28 ESV
https://www.bible.com/59/mat.5.27-28.esv
Matthew 5 is a wonderful chapter to really understand God’s Laws. When one
looks at what Jesus says, he says not acting out the Sin doesn't mean you have
not sinned. So, if you don't commit the sin but have sinful thoughts, you are just
as guilty of committing the sin.
What does this really mean? When you are a true Christian, your heart has been
purified through the Holy Spirit. It means leaning on the finished work of Christ
and God’s grace to receive salvation is crucial because you will never reach
God’s perfection.
How do we really know then we are saved? Once you accept Christ as your
savior, repent of your sins, and have a loving, regular relationship with God, you
notice a change within yourself. In my case, I have noticed I'm not an angry person
anymore. I think differently about so many things. I think about how I can better
help others. I look at my bank account and savings and see them as numbers
versus anything of value. As a matter of fact, I have been praying to ask God
where he wants these numbers shared. I care less and less about this world. I am
completely satisfied with meeting basic needs. I am easy to forgive when before
I held grudges. I want to read the Bible and listen to sermons more and more. I
want to pray more. I have gratitude for how well God cares for me. I am not
afraid. I am more apt to be truthful than hurt feelings. I have transformed
internally in thoughts and desires. I gradually realize my outward veneer
matches my inward heart. I don't feel fake by looking outwardly good when
inwardly I am angry, lustful, prideful, greedy, and spiteful. I have peace within.
Yes, Christ helps change you from the inside out. Your inwardness matches your
outwardness. Your heart goes from stone to flesh. Mahalo Ke Akua!
by Kent Brosh a Kawaiaha’o Blog Contributor
Alberta, Canada
