TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL PASSAGE

21 “You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ 22 But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘Raca,’ is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell. 23 “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, 24 leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift. 25 “Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court. Do it while you are still together on the way, or your adversary may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison. 26 Truly I tell you, you will not get out until you have paid the last penny.

Matthew 5:21-26

DEVOTIONAL

by Stephanie Reloj

People can call a simple action a sin, but we can argue that it is not. We can follow all 600+ laws of the Bible, but people can debate that we’re the worst. That’s why it is important to know how Jesus delves into the heart of righteousness, revealing that mere outward obedience to the law is insufficient. He teaches that true righteousness encompasses not only our actions but also our attitudes and motives—our hearts.

The Ten Commandments serve as a standard of obedience for believers, yet Jesus takes it a step further by addressing the deeper issues of the heart. He explains that anger toward a brother is akin to murder in God’s eyes. I suddenly remember how my siblings and I used to hate each other when we were younger. If that was already considered murder, I am terrified! This highlights the necessity of inner transformation rather than mere external conformity to the law.

Without Christ, fulfilling the law perfectly is an impossible task. However, Jesus, through His perfect life and sacrificial death, fulfilled the law on our behalf. He offers us a righteous standing before God, not based on our own merits, but through His grace.

As believers, our pursuit of righteousness is not to earn favor with God but to reflect the righteousness He has already imputed to us through Christ. Even when we stumble and fall short, we can find forgiveness and restoration in Christ, drawing on the power of the Holy Spirit to grow in righteousness day by day.

 

PRAYER