From actions to thoughts
Matthew 5: 21-37 Jesus explain our thoughts are just as important as our actctions.
21 You have heard that it was said to them of the old time, You shalt not kill: for whosoever kills will be guilty of judgment.
22 But I say to you, whosoever is angry with his brother unadvisedly, will be guilty of judgment. And whosoever saith to his brother, Raca, will be worthy to be punished by the Council. And whoever will say, Fool, will be worthy to be punished with hell fire.
23 If then you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has anything against you,
24 Leave your offering there before the altar, and go your way: to first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. 25 Agree with your adversary quickly, while you are on the way with him, lest your adversary delivers you to the Judge, and the Judge delivers you to the sergeant, and you are cast into prison.
26 For truly I say to you, you will not come out of prison, until you have paid the maximum.
27 You have heard that it was said to them of old time, you are not too commit adultery.
28 But I say unto you, that whosoever looks on a woman to lust after her, has committed adultery with her already in his heart.
29 Wherefore if your right eye cause you to offend, pluck it out and cast it from you: for it is better for you, that one of your members perish, than that your whole body should be cast into hell.
30 Also if your right hand makes you to offend, cut it off, and cast it from you: for better it is for you, that one of your members perishes, than that your whole body should be cast into hell.
31 It has also been said: Whoever will put away his wife, let him give her a bill of divorcement.
32 But I say to you, whoever would put away his wife (except for fornication) causes her to commit adultery: and whoever would marry her that is divorced, commits adultery.
33 Again, you have heard that it was said to them of old time, You are not too forswear yourself, but shalt perform your oaths to the Lord.
34 But I say to you, do not Swear at all, neither by heaven, for it is the throne of God:
35 Nor by the earth, for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem: for it is the city of the great King.
36 Neither are you too swear by your head, because you cannot make one hair white or black.
37 But let your communication be Yea, yea: Nay, nay. For whatsoever is more than these, cometh of evil.
Our relationship with each other is of great importance to Father God, if our relationships with each other are strained then our relationship with Christ will be strained and the world will not see the love of Christ in us they will only see division and strife, giving the world a bad taste for Crist His love and His church.
How is your attitude with and towards others?
Want to survive get it right.
Jesus took the commandments from just an action to the operation and condition of the mind and heart, be aware of your thought life and the emotions of your heart. What we call self-control can only be totally accomplished by going to the Lord and asking the Holy Spirit to lead and guide you through the mine field in your head and heart. A strong will is helpful if set in the right frame, problem most of the time being strong willed will get you in trouble but with the help and guidance of the Holy Spirit a strong will can be set in motion that can keep you from sinning.
Goes back to repent, turn from your evil ways and humbly go to God and ask for help.
Tomorrow; How to be perfect, as your Father in heaven