Words Of Jesus Devotionals - 9

"You have heard that it was said to those of old, "You shall not murder, and whoever murders will be in danger of the judgment.' But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment. And whoever says to his brother, "Raca!' shall be in danger of the council. But whoever says, "You fool!' shall be in danger of hell fire. Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. Agree with your adversary quickly, while you are on the way with him, lest your adversary deliver you to the judge, the judge hand you over to the officer, and you be thrown into prison. Assuredly, I say to you, you will by no means get out of there till you have paid the last penny. (Matthew 5:21-26) (NKJV)

Some of the words that we use while dealing with others can be very hurting to them. But those same words may bring judgement upon us. Jesus, here emphazies that not only murder, but anger and careless words can prove equally detrimental.

The Apostle Paul exhorts all regarding careless words and anger in his epistle to the Colossians:
But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth. (Colossians 3:8)
Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one. (Colossians 4:6)

To the believers in Ephesus, he writes,
Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. (Ephesians 4:31)

Our worship can never be successful and a pleasing aroma to God if we are not reconciled to our brothers and sisters. The fault may or may not be on our side ......(your brother has something against you) (perhaps a misunderstanding), but Jesus says, "First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift."
As Jesus says here, "It's best to patch up with others as soon as possible, because delay can often lead to dire consequences."

Every prudent man acts with knowledge...... (Proverbs 13:16)
.....The prudent considers well his steps. (Proverbs 14:15)
The wise in heart will be called prudent.....(Proverbs 16:21)