Words Are A Weapon

“Lost and Found” by Greg Olsen. Used with Permission. http://www.GregOlsen.com

November 20, 2022

Gospel – 6/11/20 – Matthew 5:20-26

Jesus said to his disciples:
“I tell you, unless your righteousness surpasses that
of the scribes and Pharisees,
you will not enter into the Kingdom of heaven.

“You have heard that it was said to your ancestors,
You shall not kill; and whoever kills will be liable to judgment.
But I say to you, whoever is angry with his brother
will be liable to judgment,
and whoever says to his brother, Raqa,
will be answerable to the Sanhedrin,
and whoever says, ‘You fool,’ will be liable to fiery Gehenna.
Therefore, if you bring your gift to the altar,
and there recall that your brother
has anything against you,
leave your gift there at the altar,
go first and be reconciled with your brother,
and then come and offer your gift.
Settle with your opponent quickly while on the way to court with him.
Otherwise your opponent will hand you over to the judge,
and the judge will hand you over to the guard,
and you will be thrown into prison.
Amen, I say to you,
you will not be released until you have paid the last penny.”

To Jesus, language means something. Nothing is throw away – especially in anger.

We allow ourselves to so easily say disparaging words – in secret, among our friends, or even to the face – like they can do no harm.

No weapon is mightier than hurtful words. They end reputations, relationships, careers, LIVES, all the while we believe we can’t be prosecuted because we caused no physical harm.

Words mean things. And if you have harmed another person, you must ask forgiveness. If not, you will be held accountable.

At least that’s what I heard Him say…