Matthew 5:21-22
"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..."
Matthew 5:27-28
"You have heard that it was said to those of old, 'You shall not commit adultery.' But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart."
The religious leaders in Jesus' day were very focused on obeying external rules. They thought that as long as they didn't actually murder someone, they were righteous. But Jesus goes much deeper. He says that righteousness is not just about our actions, but about our hearts. He teaches that anger in our heart is a form of murder, and lust in our heart is a form of adultery. God doesn't just want us to follow a list of rules; He wants to change our hearts. True Christian living comes from the inside out.
Pay attention to your thoughts and feelings this week. When you feel angry, don't just try to hold it in. Stop and ask God to help you deal with the anger in your heart and to forgive the person who wronged you. When you are tempted with impure thoughts, turn your mind to Christ and ask Him to purify your heart. This is a lifelong process of allowing God to transform us from the inside.
Why do you think Jesus is so concerned with our hearts, not just our actions?
Is there any anger or bitterness in your heart that you need to bring to God?
How can you actively guard your heart and mind this week?