You’re Not Really Involved in This One, Are You? 😳🧐

Who are you thinking or speaking negatively about right now — maybe even in a hurtful or disrespectful way?

Okay, that may have been a very direct way to start today. But, aren’t we all sometimes quick to speak or think negatively about others? 🫢

The sixth commandment also comes to us very directly: “You must not murder” (Exodus 20:13). 

And of course, our first reaction might be: “That doesn’t apply to me.” But in its original meaning — are you ready to hear this? 🫣 — it was about protecting life:

Because every person is wanted by God. Every single one.

Jesus takes this even further. In the New Testament, He explains: '“You have heard that our ancestors were told, ‘You must not murder. If you commit murder, you are subject to judgment.’ But I say, if you are even angry with someone, you are subject to judgment!...” (Matthew 5:21-22). 

Now, I’m not even sure whether I should share the entire verse with you, because it gets very direct — and very challenging. Are you ready?

“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 5:22, ESV). 

That is a very strong statement. A word that today carries a lot of negative meaning. But ultimately, when understood correctly, it shows us something very important.

Protecting the lives and dignity of others matters deeply to Jesus. 

Think about this:

Jesus Himself came to give His life, not to take life away. 

The sixth commandment means something very practical for us today. Destruction does not begin only with our actions, it often begins with our words:

How quickly do we speak badly about others?How quickly do we judge?How quickly do we make someone feel small, even if only in our thoughts?

It may seem harmless, but it changes our hearts.

So when we pay attention to what we say about others, we are also protecting our own hearts.

…and God will be pleased! 🤩

You are a miracle!