Like a cancer

Matthew 5:21-26

    

          I had a neighbor who died not too long ago. She seemed to be a very pleasant person. She was concerned for others, she prayed and seemed very likable. I enjoyed seeing her and chatting from time to time.  One day I witnessed a rather wicked display of vitriol coming from her, it was directed at another neighbor. It seemed out of character. I would hate to be judged on a moment of weakness or when I was on my worst behaviour. I am not sure if it was coincidence or not but right after I witnessed that event she found out she had cancer. It was a battle that she quickly lost.

         I often wonder the effects of malicious intent, failure to love, failure to forgive and hate on ourselves. I firmly believe that hate hurts us more than the objects of the hate. I actually wish the word hate could be eliminated from the world's vocabulary. Hate is a downright evil thing. The effect on the haters themselves cannot be minimized.  I think we know that unresolved issues of almost any kind fester within us and actually grow larger. Perhaps they loom larger than they are but they are like a cancer.

         "Like a cancer" is a good analogy because all the negative things in life that we hold in and let fester in our hearts and minds predisposes us to other bad things in life like cancer.  Negativity seems like a good growth media within ourselves for a whole array of bad things. Cancer would be pretty darn bad but in reality we also risk our eternal souls by bombarding ourselves and our very nature with negativity.

         Jesus was quite clear about loving others, loving ourselves and loving God. These two great commandments supersede the law. Today's passage solidifies that concept. Thaw shall not kill is not simply about taking physical life. It about destruction and damaging our very souls, hurting people by hateful actions and speech. You can kill someone's soul. You can kill your own soul by those same hateful actions or speech. That's why I say to live the two Great commandments is really more challenging than simply obeying the ten commandments with strictness or narrow focus. 

         The idea of brutally honest self reflection is highlighted in today's passage. The damage we do and the 'stuff' we harbour in our own hearts is damaging all around. Before you come before God we need to forgive and forget, we need to love more and never ever hate. We need to forgive ourselves and forgive others before we head to the altar to say how much we love you God. Coming to the table with hate for others, even ourselves is hypocrisy.

         Perhaps a bit preachy but we need to get rid of hate and negativity. We need to fight against it within ourselves and within the world by love, genuine love.

      Love yourself. Love others. Love God.

          I 

‘You have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, “You shall not murder”; and “whoever murders shall be liable to judgement.” But I say to you that if you are angry with a brother or sister, you will be liable to judgement; and if you insult a brother or sister, you will be liable to the council; and if you say, “You fool”, you will be liable to the hell of fire. So when you are offering your gift at the altar, if you remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother or sister, and then come and offer your gift. Come to terms quickly with your accuser while you are on the way to court with him, or your accuser may hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the guard, and you will be thrown into prison. Truly I tell you, you will never get out until you have paid the last penny.