Ephesians 4:31-32 Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.
Matthew 5:21 You have heard that is was said to those of old, ‘you shall not murder,’ and whoever murders will be in danger of the judgement.
Matthew 5:43-44 You have heard it was said, ‘you shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those that curse you and do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you.
Why did Jesus command this? Why are we told to bridle our tongues? James 1:26 If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one’s religion is useless! Yes there is hate in this world but as Christ followers we are called to make peace not fuel the flames. Do your words fuel the flames? Even with your friends? Right now we are witnessing the effects of fueling the flames of hate in our country. This should not be for those who are true followers of Christ. You will know them by their fruit. Dig into God’s word, pray, reach out with love and kindness. God’s word says love your neighbor as yourself, love the alien / immigrant among you for He loves them giving them food and clothing because we were once aliens, love your enemies. We have to be the change we want to see.
Lord, thank You for Your perfect word and guidance. Forgive us our failings in loving as You command for in keeping Your word you can make even our enemies be at peace with us. Please clean out any hate among Your people and replace it with Your love and peace. In Jesus name amen
