Ten Commandments, Sixth Command

You shall not murder.  Exodus 20:13 NIV

A conversation with God:

ME: Finally, a commandment I can keep. I am so glad the sixth commandment is no problem. I’m not too bad after all. I know that I have never murdered anyone. I have barely killed a fly. I’m a pretty good guy!

A VOICE FROM ABOVE: But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment.

ME: What was that? Did you hear that? Well, anyway, as I was saying, I am pretty good compared to…

A VOICE FROM ABOVE: Anyone who calls his brother a fool will be subject to the fires of hell.

ME: There it goes again. Excuse me, but I am trying to gloat. I have been faithfully reading these Ten Commandments, and I finally come across one that I am pretty good at, and you keep interrupting me. Now, let me continue. I have never murdered anyone….

A VOICE FROM ABOVE: In his heart a man plans his course….

ME: Now wait a minute, just wait one minute. Are you trying to say that if I get angry with someone to the point of name-calling, that I have planned in my heart to murder them?

A VOICE FROM ABOVE: For the Lord gives wisdom, and from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.

ME: So, in other words, I think what you’re saying is that when I get this angry, I am guilty of breaking this commandment, just as if I carried through on the act of murder.

A VOICE FROM ABOVE: Yes, for all have sinned and fallen short of my Glory.

ME: What am I going to do then? I have broken them all.

A VOICE FROM ABOVE: Don’t be afraid, just believe.

ME: I am a murderer, according to you God, and you are telling me just to believe?

A VOICE FROM ABOVE: I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. If anyone calls upon the name of the Lord, he shall be saved.

ME: So you’re my answer. Jesus is the way! Praise God!

A VOICE FROM ABOVE:  Well done, my good and faithful servant.