Tuesday 17 June 2008

Bible verse: enemy.

"But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, 'Raca,[b]' is answerable to the council. But anyone who says, 'You fool!' will be in danger of the fire of hell."
Matthew 5:22

[b] - contempt, the feeling that a person / thing is beneath consideration or worthless

I came across this verse while I was in China, on one of the long road trips.

This verse reiterates one of God's commandments that we should love our neighbours as we love ourselves. Above that, we must respect them and not look down on them or disregard them.

I guess I have not been very good at this. Someone once told me that I liked to criticize people, especially if they have done something wrongly or badly. That someone is now a frienemy with me. I guess I need to change in this area.

What about you? have you been angry towards someone? Have you looked down on someone? Or even worse, have you cursed someone?

I'll just leave you with Matthew 5:38-48
38"You have heard that it was said, 'Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.' 39But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. 40And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. 41If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. 42Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.
43"You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' 44But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
Matthew 5:38-48

--Bible verses adapted from BibleGateway.com

Bible Verses discovered on the "KJV Bible" Ebook on my iPod touch.

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