[Pastor Ralph]

Q2. (Matthew 5:21-22) Why does Jesus treat calling someone a fool in the same classification as murder? Does this mean that murder is no worse than an angry insult in God's eyes? How would we act differently if we actually believed that angry attitudes towards others are viewed by God as murder?

[Tabatha]

Q2. (Matthew 5:21-22) Why does Jesus treat calling someone a fool in the same classification as murder? Does this mean that murder is no worse than an angry insult in God's eyes? How would we act differently if we actually believed that angry attitudes towards others are viewed by God as murder?

When Jesus said, " But I tell you" he was not doing away with the law or adding His own beliefs. Rather, He was giving a fuller understanding of why God made that law in the first place. For example , Moses said, " You shall not murder" ( exodus 20:13 ) Jesus taught that we should not even become angry enough to murder, for then we have already committed murder in our heart The Pharisees read this law and , not having literally murdered any-one, felt righteous. Yet they were angry enough with Jesus that they would soon plot His death, though they would not do the dirty work themselves. We miss the intent of God's Word when we read His rules for living without trying to understand why He made them. When do you keep God's rules but close your eyes to His intent?

Killing is a terrible sin, but anger is a great sin too be-cause it also violates God's command to love. Anger in the case refers to a seething brooding bitterness against someone. It is a dangerous emotion that always threaten to leap out of control leading to violence emotional hurt, increased mental stress, and spiritual damage. Anger keeps us from developing a spirit pleasing to God Have you ever been proud that you didn't strike out and say what was really on your mind? Self-control is good., but Christ wants us to practice thought- control as well, jesus said that we will be held accountable even for angry attitudes.

[jjj]

If we examine the physical and the spiritual response of man we can come to terms with the issue of Jesus' statement. Paul talks abut taking thoughts captive. When you have a prisoner you have options: you release them, torture them, incarcerate them , interrogate them. The same can apply to thoughts. The moment you bring it into a physical realm - you have responded. If you pray for your response it is translated from spirit to flesh, if you call a man fool, or murder him you have responded. If you bless, forgive or even understand you have responded.

[Eudora]

Q2. (Matthew 5:21-22) Why does Jesus treat calling someone a fool in the same classification as murder?

My first guess would be that it is foolish to break the law and it is like a fool to break Yahweh's law. The law was written: Thou shalt not kill. (Exodus 20:13 and again the same in Deuteronomy 5:17) Yah’shua was reiterating the law, stating it again, but Yah’shua knew that Yahwey Himself sent folks to kill the enemy. But they did not do so in anger. They did so by His command. Jesus cleared up any misunderstanding for those to know that they shall not kill in anger, with out a cause. (like a command by God) To do so would be in violation of the commandment, thou shall not kill. I think Yah'shua goes on to say that it is better that we do everything we can to clear up any misunderstanding by first laying our gift on the alter then going to that person and see if we can’t rectify the situation and then coming back to receive the gift of forgiveness so that we are not in danger of the judgment.

Does this mean that murder is no worse than an angry insult in God's eyes? I don’t think so. An angry insult can actually would so deep that a person may take their own life. I have actually wittnessed this type of pain. While the person who may have insulted did not kill, their powerful tongue did wreck havoc.

How would we act differently if we actually believed that angry attitudes towards others are viewed by God as murder? We would never be angry.

[UncleBlake]

Q2. (Matthew 5:21-22) Why does Jesus treat calling someone a fool in the same classification as murder? Does this mean that murder is no worse than an angry insult in God's eyes? How would we act differently if we actually believed that angry attitudes towards others are viewed by God as murder?

Calling someone a fool, is classified the same as murder in that it "murder's" the person's characture. It also means that there is emnity between you and the other person, and this hatred is the same as murder in God's eyes. No, this does not mean that murder is no worse than an angry insult in God's eyes, it means that an angry insult is as bad as murder in God's eyes. I believe that if we were to actually believe and life in thinking that angry attitudes and insults are viewed as murder by God, it would put a halt to much of the violence in the world. Surely this is an over simplification of it, but think about it...if that concept had been practiced as doctorine by the "ancients" it would have "trickled down" to our society, and would have been seen as something very weighty indeed. That is not to say it never would occur, but what if murder had not been treated that way?

[Cee]

Q2. (Matthew 5:21-22) Why does Jesus treat calling someone a fool in the same classification as murder? Does this mean that murder is no worse than an angry insult in God's eyes? How would we act differently if we actually believed that angry attitudes towards others are viewed by God as murder?

To me the reason Jesus treat call someone a fool in the same classification as a murder is because both words (murders and fools) are subject to judgement by God (v21). Yes this does mean the same to God as an insult to Him. We would show more love, respect encouragement, and concern toward others for this is what is pleasing in the eyes by God.

[jjj]

The process of what we do with the thought defines us. Yes anger will come upon us but that cross over moment when Christ overlays the hurt, anger or bitterness response takes us from the danger zone. The thought is taken captive and given to the Lord. We have that free will. It is not always easy but to harbour the thought in our heart will taint every other thought that we have. Instead of feeling the anger, hurt or bitterness . We will be the anger , be the hurt, be bitter. The same power of releasing Christ into your heart not only prevents the words of hate inspires words of love and blessing.

[Elwood C O'Dell]

When you insult or demean another person you are inflicting injury or hurt upon them. You are intentionally trying to cause discomfort for them in some way, shape form or matter, you certainly are not loving them as God loves them. It seems to me that this is diametrically opposed to doing unto others as you would have them do unto you. When one treats other person in this manner they are taking from the other person a sense of worth that the Master has given to them. In reality you are in a way destroying a part of God’s creation. If mankind would actually take seriously how God views angry attitudes towards others it just might cause a revolution in regards to our loving others as we love ourselves.

[Bonnie Nelson]

Q2. Why does Jesus treat calling someone a fool in the same classification as murder? Does this mean that murder is no worse than an angry insult in God’s eye? How would we act differently if we actually believed that angry attitudes towards others are viewed by God as murder?

God is trying to explain to us that sin is sin. It doesn’t matter whether it is an insult, or lashing out in anger or resentment. It is what it is—sin. Anything that we do that destroys a person, whether in words or deeds is a type of murder. It is murdering the spirit. God wants us to grow---when one destroys a person by what they say---it is destroying one’s spirit to continue. People are devastated and may give up---but God never gives up.

If we “really” believe that angry attitudes are viewed by God as murder, maybe we would “Think more before we Speak”. People tend to wear their emotions on their sleeves, and they react negatively. It is always the reaction that causes the problem. Even people with the best intentions, speak wrong words, or what they say is taken wrong. Maybe we should take a deep breath and ask God to give us the proper word before we say one word, and do this in any circumstance.

[charisbarak]

Our heart is the same--if we can call someone a fool we could, with that heart attitude, kill someone.

In God's eyes there are no degrees of sin--sin is sin.

I know I have to keep aware of what comes out of my mouth--the awareness of the sin of my thought life is disturbing. (judging, upset with people, etc.) I don't want to sin. I ask for the Spirit to empower me to live in God's love.

[sisterlily]

Jesus was as always showing by example for our benefit, it is our heart He longs for. He wants us to be more aware of our actions by saying that if you think its ok to call someone a name it is not it is the same as killing them, with this thought we become more aware of what God wants for us and we call on Him for strength to keep a clean heart and be the neighblr God wills us to be, true and abiding in His love always, it is difficult at times but with our precious Lord all things are possible and showing the world this we bring change that will bring Jesus, amen.

[masika]

Q2. (Matthew 5:21-22) Why does Jesus treat calling someone a fool in the same classification as murder? Does this mean that murder is no worse than an angry insult in God's eyes? How would we act differently if we actually believed that angry attitudes towards others are viewed by God as murder?
-Killing is terrible sin, but anger is great sin, too, because it also violates God’s command to Love. Anger in this case refers to a seething, brooding bitterness against someone. It is dangerous emotion that always threatens to leap out of control, leading to violence, emotional hurt, increased mental stress, and spiritual damage. Anger keeps us from developing a spirit pleasing to God.
Jesus Christ wants us to practice self-control and thought-control, because we will held accountable even to our attitudes.

[love.serve.know]

Jesus said if we break any part of the law we break it all. Yes, all sin is the same in God's eyes. If we really believed this we would be kinder to everyone.

[Patricia A]

Q2. (Matthew 5:21-22)



Why does Jesus treat calling someone a fool in the same classification as murder?



Jesus is saying that we are guilty before God for a heart that lashes out in anger and venom. Whether or not a person's life is terminated as a result is not the point.



Does this mean that murder is no worse than an angry insult in God's eyes?

God hates name calling, gossiping, insulting someone, grudges, abusive looks or gestures as much as murder! "By forbidding murder God teaches us that he hates the root of murder: envy, hatred, anger, vindictiveness." What God hates is under his judgment. It deserves hell. It is sin. Jesus went to the cross for that. We will be called to account for every careless word on Judgment Day. (Matthew 12:36).



How would we act differently if we actually believed that angry attitudes towards others are viewed by God as murder?



We must not interpret the forgiveness of all of our sins, and the complete payment of Christ for us in such a way that we do not take him seriously when he warns us about our words, gestures and looks.

[JustJeff]

It all comes down to intent. As a kid I had a sinus problem which gave me a prepetual runny nose. The result was a nickname that really hurt me and that was the intent. Same as driving a stake through my heart. The feeling was terrible and still pains me to remember until this day. When we think evil in our hearts we are spiritually committing the crime and I assure you, our very spritual heavenly Father knows it. Further, all sin is judged alike and evil thinking is sin so yes, you may as well murder the person. It's the same in God's eyes.
If we take our relationship with the Lord seriously we'd better allign our thoughts about every situation with His or we could be in big trouble. Thanks be to His patience with us and praise Him for the Holy Spirit which gives us the ability to learn how to be like Him.

[PATJOE]

Q2. (Matthew 5:21-22) Why does Jesus treat calling someone a fool in the same classification as murder? Does this mean that murder is no worse than an angry insult in God's eyes? How would we act differently if we actually believed that angry attitudes towards others are viewed by God as murder?

Any derogatory name hurled at another, injures and kills a part of their spirit (and maybe their entire spirit) and the damage can last for a life time. It doesn't stop them from taking their next breath, but it murders their self-esteem. Yes, a murder is no worse than an angry insult in God's eyes. We should try to live "In God's spirit" every minute of the day so that by His being at our side, He guards us against such venomous behavior to our fellowman. We need to focus on the fact that God sees all and God hears all, and to injure our fellow man with verbal onslaught, we also injure our beloved Lord, and according to scripture, Jesus sheds tears for us, and because of us because He too feels the pain we have inflicted. May God help us all in this all too prevalent sin against God and our fellowman.

[YBIC]

The mean spirit and desire to cause harm to a person is the same. Rather than attacking a persons physical being, the focus of the same anger is at tearing down their emotional well being. In Jesus eyes, any anger focused on attacking and tearing down God's creation is murder.

I believe in God's eye any sin, even the smallest in man's eyes, is sufficient to cause a separation with God.

We would work to find ways to express our feelings including anger in a way that is not destructive of another persons well being. That would mean spending some time understanding the person and expressing why we feel anger toward them in a constructive manner.

[Loisb]

Q2. (Matthew 5:21-22) Why does Jesus treat calling someone a fool in the same classification as murder? Does this mean that murder is no worse than an angry insult in God's eyes? How would we act differently if we actually believed that angry attitudes towards others are viewed by God as murder?

1. Jesus is showing us that one is as bad as the other, because we are to love each other, be forgiving, not be mean spirited and we couldn't have any of these if we are guilty of calling someone a fool or killing someone. We are supposed to have pure hearts and these two things aren't showing purity.

2. In God's eyes, yes. Both os these are from a root of evil and not goodness.

3. I'm sure that we would change our ways and think twice about the way we treat all people.

[JanMary]

Q2. (Matthew 5:21-22) Why does Jesus treat calling someone a fool in the same classification as murder? Does this mean that murder is no worse than an angry insult in God's eyes? How would we act differently if we actually believed that angry attitudes towards others are viewed by God as murder?

1)Our thoughts precede our actions. Jesus said regarding adultery, If you've lusted in your heart, you've done it, so to speak. Murder begins with murderous rage in the thoughts first. Calling someone a fool is meant to harm the individual, and "kills" the spirit.

2)All attempts to wound others is sin.


3) I had some really bad teaching as a young Christian, that all anger is sin....This drove me into denial about ever being angry and was very detrimental emotionally. Eventually, I learned that anger is a God given emotion, which is meant to move us toward positive change. ie: to move us out of abusive situations, or bondage, or to look within at what our response is to different situations. Knowing that holding onto angry attitudes is sin, caused me to be quick to bring my anger to the Lord, for His help in dealing with it. I learned to be a quick forgiver, and to journal about the anger to get it outside of myself, rather than to attack someone with it. Christian Psychologist H. Norman Wright tell us that anger is a powerful force of energy which if allowed to stay inside, can cause illness, so it must be dealt with. Journaling is a healthy way to do this, then to give the anger to the Lord, forgive the offender, and release them to the Lord. This method helped to rid me of years of buried anger over abuses and injustice in childhood. I had forgiven when I became a Christian, but the anger stuffed down inside was making me physically ill, and I'm free now. My abusers are free as well, and never heard me vent my rage at them. All the pretending did was prolong my internal "boiling".

[Stan]

Q2. (Matthew 5:21-22) Why does Jesus treat calling someone a fool in the same classification as murder? Does this mean that murder is no worse than an angry insult in God's eyes? How would we act differently if we actually believed that angry attitudes towards others are viewed by God as murder

Because He know where the real reason for murder comes from, out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. He knew that angey could quickly lead to harming someone because it grows and takes control of the whole sole. It is not worse than murder but can often lead to things that are worse.
We would try to find control of our hearts and try to stay in a peaceful frame of mind and pray for strength that anger never over comes us or cause us to lose control.