“You have heard that it was said to your ancestors, You shall not kill; and whoever kills will be liable to judgment. But I say to you, whoever is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment.” Jesus is certainly raising the bar for His disciples. I can’t tell you how many times I hear from someone -- Father, I don’t steal, I didn’t kill anybody, I don’t cheat, so what should I confess? Well, for Jesus’ disciples it is not enough to just not kill anybody. In fact, most people, even those who do not believe, don’t go around and kill others. However, Jesus’ disciples must love another person as him or herself. So, even if you are angry with someone, even if you don’t talk to that relative of yours because years ago you had a big argument with them -- then you are still not following Jesus’ commandment of love. We do make excuses all the time, that it was her fault, or it was he who started it. But Jesus doesn’t care about those excuses. He wants us - His disciples - to be at peace and to love others. “Therefore, if you bring your gift to the altar, and there recall that your brother has anything against you, leave your gift there at the altar, go first and be reconciled with your brother, and then come and offer your gift.”
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