“Anyone who hates another brother or sister
is really a murderer at heart.”
I’ve never thought of myself as a murderer, but there has been a person or two over the decades who has brought less than kindly thoughts out of my thinking.
John, in the above verse, tells me that any thought of hatred toward another is much darker, evil, and more violent than probably assumed. It’s not innocent at all. It’s murder! That’s a very strong accusation.
But John is right.
When we hate a brother, we deny their God-given individuality. We refuse to acknowledge they have worth or value. We despise them. We dishonor them. We think evil of them. We are as a prison warden wanting to banish them into solitary confinement and leave them to suffer in endless misery with no hope of consolation or compassion from anyone anywhere. In essence, we want them removed, eliminated, taken away, or as John says, murdered.
This is not a healthy way to think for ourselves or for others…
I think Jesus had a better way…”Love one another,” even when there’s a cross to bear to keep on loving.
The sentence of justice on a murderer is severe. The sentence on one who loves is heavenly—eternal life.
What’s your choice?
A bit like Jesus’ commandment about thinking lust in your heart…he says you’ve committed lust if you’ve thought it. Your article was a wake up call for me. Took me back at first with its severity, but get the point.Guess I have some spiritual homework to do today.
Whoa! That’s an eye opener and a thought generater. Thanks again, as always.
Signed, A humanly normal male discovering room for improvement.
I have been in contact with a person who I worked with in law enforcement. He has been serving time for murder and through our correspondence I have shown love and care for him. I try an enlighten him with never ending positive thinking of Love and he appreciates my letters and deeply regrets his actions several years ago. I believe his thinking is now positive and looking forward to his release late in 2013. It gives me great pleasure to exppress the Truth as well as establishing progressive thoughts for his recovery. Although he is not a Christian Scientist I am able to uplift his thoughts. The mere communication at least monthly opens up many avenues for his success when he is relased.
Bet that beautiful Boxer in that photo never has murderous thoughts! I’ve been guilty. Thanks for the wake-up call.
Question: would this include having hateful thoughts about our little brother and sister animals?
“Every thought counts,” someone said; I don’t know who, but it made me … think!
Mary Baker Eddy has much to say about hatred and it’s effects on … the hater. Counterproductive, for sure.
Btw, Evan, I am interested in the NLT (New LivingTranslation) Bible. Where did you get your copy?
Thanks, as always, for your website. And, insight!
Sue
I got my NLT copy at a Barnes and Noble bookstore. Its the second edition, 2008, Tyndale. Amazon.com has them too…many different versions. But be sure to get the second edition.
@ Sue – You can also purchase Bible programs such as ‘Power Bible’ you have almost every Bible available to you with the click of a mouse as well as Strongs Concordance with Hebrew or Greek orginal translations …Shelley
In response to Bill’s posting earlier this morning I would like to share an article/testimony that I have used as a former prison chaplain who worked in a maximum security prison for men: In the August 2009 Journal on pg. 56 and 57 a former convicted murderer shares his story of redemption, and transformation through the teachings of Christian Science. His ‘life sentence’ was reversed and ultimately he achieved parole and freedom. It’s a powerful illustration and I know you Bill and your friend would love having this inspiration. Thanks too for having the moral courage to stand by him, very few have this sense of vision and love…..Gratefully, Leah……thank you Evan for this poignant reminder for us to watch our thinking and attitudes also….