Our readings today are powerful. The law of the Old Testament takes on a new standard. Jesus gives a series of statements that all begin with the phrase, “You have heard . . . But I say . . .” In other words, the Old Testament law had a deeper meaning than what most people had heard. In years gone by, people focused on the action of the law. Jesus points to the attitude behind the action. Jesus gets to the heart of the matter, and it is a matter of the heart. Jesus takes the Old Testament command, “You must not murder” and goes deeper by clarifying, “If you are even angry with someone, you are subject to judgment.” He just told us that anger is as wrong as murder! Wrong thoughts can lead to wrong actions. God can change our improper attitudes so that our hearts are purified before thoughts turn into actions.

Consider these questions as you reflect on today’s reading:

Is anger causing me to stumble in my walk with Jesus?

How can I reconcile with that person so that we can both walk forward in grace?