End The Hate!

Matthew 5:21-22 “You have heard that our ancestors were told, ‘You must not murder. If you commit murder, you are subject to judgment.’ 22 But I say, if you are even angry with someone, you are subject to judgment! If you call someone an idiot, you are in danger of being brought before the court. And if you curse someone, you are in danger of the fires of hell.”

I always struggle with this verse, especially behind the wheel of a car. I am a very vocal driver and while I never roll down my window and yell at someone I do talk about them in the car. I do not like slow drivers in the left lane, drivers who fly up a long line of traffic and cut you off at the last second forcing you to hit the brakes, people who can’t park between the lines/take up two spaces, or people talking/texting on their cell phones wandering all over the road. My hands fly up off the steering wheel in exasperation and normally things like: “clown, stupid, idiot, learn to drive, get off the phone, the narrow right pedal is the gas, try pushing it, go back to ________ (whatever out of state plate the license is from).”

The truth is, it can be easy to allow our frustration to get the better of us, whether on the road, at work, school, home, or with whatever you are doing. Don’t let anger, frustration, or bitterness lead you down a path to hate. Instead, surrender it completely to God.

Matthew Chapter 5 is a huge challenge, the entire chapter has Jesus talking about us stepping away from the norms of society and setting ourselves apart. You see the challenge is not to be like the world but instead to be the salt and light (verses 13 -16) that changes the world and makes it a better place. Take some time today to read the entire chapter. Then work to end the hate and let your light shine for all the world to see.

#EndTheHate #iDevo #YFA