Matthew 5:22c (NKJV): But whoever says, ‘You fool!’ shall be in danger of hell fire.
We are now looking at the third warning that Jesus gave in regards on how we regard someone in our hearts. This warning talks about calling someone a fool. It ties into the Raca warning, saying that someone is worthless. We use this term, fool, when we think that someone is not intelligent or lacks sense.
In Fact, here is Merriam-Webster’s online (https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fool) definition:
fool
1 : a person lacking in judgment or prudence
- Only a fool would ride a motorcycle without wearing a helmet.
2 a : a retainer (see 1retainer 1) formerly kept in great households to provide casual entertainment and commonly dressed in motley with cap, bells, and bauble
b : one who is victimized or made to appear foolish: dupe
- History has made fools of many rash prophets.
3 a : a harmlessly deranged person or one lacking in common powers of understanding
b : one with a marked propensity or fondness for something
4 : a cold dessert of pureed fruit mixed with whipped cream or custard
So, even in our language, this is someone we have no regard for. Certainly, Jesus is telling us to be careful how we treat others. This does not show His Love at all. Again, this is leading to anger, which, as we discussed previously, is what He regarded as murder in our hearts.
Did you know that there is another definition of fool? This is what we find in Psalm 14:1.
Psalm 14:1 (NKJV): The fool has said in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, They have done abominable works, There is none who does good.
How do we know for sure that someone has disregarded God’s existence? Isn’t that another way to judge someone’s heart? What are we called to do when we encounter someone who does not follow Jesus? Do you remember?
Matthew 28:18-20 (NKJV): And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.
It seems that Jesus gave a commandment that we are to make disciples. How do we do that? by being an example of His Love. By sharing what He did on the Cross for us and others. By teaching, exhorting, and praying for each other. By helping when others are in need and we are able.
Although hate is not the opposite of Love, like many would think, we can combat hate with Love. Jesus address something really serious in all of our lives. He, by giving us these three warnings, is telling us to love others. Remember, He said that the 2 greatest commandments are to Love God and then Love others (Matthew 22:37-40).
Are you struggling with having disregard for someone? Are you hanging on to hatred for someone? Have you dismissed someone in your life because you don’t think they matter? Then it’s time to repent and start praying for them and build them up. Start building a love for them that even they haven’t experienced, after all, isn’t that what Our Lord has done for us? Be that light, Be that example, that Jesus wants us to be.
We will continue be looking at the Sermon on The Mount. Although, we need Jesus to bring us back into A Relationship with God The Father, The Sermon on The Mount deals with Heart Issues which is what we should look at when learning to have that Relationship with God.
If we are to please God, we need to allow The Holy Spirit to set us apart. We need to pursue a sinless life. We are to seek Righteousness. How do we do it? Through prayer, study, fellowship, being willing to be corrected/accountability, discipleship, and service.
It starts with Our Relationship with Jesus. If you don’t have a Relationship with Him or you need to rekindle that Relationship, do it now. Call out to Him and seek his Love and Forgiveness. It really is as hard or easy as you make it.
We should look to Him daily to seek a relationship with Him. I want to encourage you to seek Him today, if you haven’t already. If you need help, have questions or need direction in this regard, please, feel free to let me know.
Maybe today you are struggling with something. Maybe you may have found yourself not as close to The Lord as you thought. We would like to help you in this through prayer and guidance. If you find yourself in need of prayer and/or encouragement, please, feel free to call or text +1 (505) 600-1027 or email cross66info@gmail.com
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Any scripture referenced here is taken from New King James Version (NKJV) unless otherwise noted
