“You have heard that it was said to our ancestors, Do not murder, and whoever murders will be subject to judgment. But I tell you, everyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. And whoever says to his brother, ‘Fool!’ will be subject to the Sanhedrin. But whoever says, ‘You Moron!’ will be subject to hellfire.” Matthew 5:21-22 HCSB
My name is Ron Moore. When turned around, it is Moron. In school when a teacher called the attendance roll and read the last name first, it was always embarrassing when she got to my name. As a youth minister, teenagers lovingly called me “Moron” as a nickname. It did not bother me and even today I will answer to the name “Moron” in the right context.
In these Scriptures Jesus is again trying to point out the importance of one’s attitude. He compares the sixth commandment, “Thou shall not kill” with an angry or hateful attitude. If a person has an angry or hateful attitude toward someone, it is the same as murdering that person. God desires for us to have a positive and helpful attitude.
Challenge: How is your attitude? Do you have any anger toward other people? Be careful what you call other people and focus on always treating others with respect.