Character Calling: TreasuredSample

A MATTER OF THE HEART. When we get to commandments six and seven, it’s easy to breeze through them quickly. I’ve never killed anyone or cheated on my spouse, so I’m good. Right? Or maybe you’re not married so you think adultery doesn’t apply to you.

Jesus encountered this mindset in the religious people of Israel, and he called them to consider the deeper implications of their thoughts and the condition of their hearts. He explained that God judges hatred as seriously as murder, and adultery is the overflow of lust. No matter how you look at it, Jesus said it’s the same sinfulness!

We should take our hatred for someone as seriously as we would the taking of their life. Just as we should take our lust just as seriously (whether married or single). Why?

Hating someone is the opposite of love, and unfaithfulness in a relationship is too. As people of Christ-like character, we should always choose love - to be faithful and true to others. 1 Corinthians 13:7 explains it like this: Our love should be trustworthy, hopeful about the people around us, and always protecting and willing to be patient with others.

You see, Jesus knew that hatred and lust are sins that might be hidden from others, but they still damage us directly and indirectly. Our thoughts have an impact on our health and our relationships. Have you ever been around someone who is unforgiving and bitter? How does it make you feel, and do you want to spend more or less time around them?

Our choices have a domino effect on our lives and relationships. Obeying and following Jesus leads to a Christ-like character, but when we choose disrespect, hatred, and unfaithfulness we are rejecting Jesus and his call to love others. We may think no one knows or sees our hearts, but our inward thoughts have an outward result.

Consider: Think of a time when your actions or words were unloving or unkind. How did your choices affect you? How did they affect others in your life?