1. How to Handle Hate
Matthew 5:21-26

2. We use some words indiscriminately
We tend to use these words hyperbolically
Specific examples of concerns expressed:
Have the right internal attitudes
Have visible manifestation of this internal reality
Be subject to the authority of the Word

3. Therefore…
Our righteousness comes from being rightly related to God through Christ, who assures us that He has come to fulfill God’s Word
The emphasis is again on the internal reality and not mere external conformity

4. I. Recognize the Established Understanding of the Law
“You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder, and whoever murders will be in danger of the judgment.’” (Matthew 5:21, NKJV)

5. A. We should watch for established mindsets of interpretation
The phrase “it was said…” was a common rabbinical phrase referring to the OT
The concern was following the letter of the law

6. B. We should be aware of a focus on personal liability implications
They were concerned about liability before the civil court
They were not as concerned about God’s assessment

7. II. Accept the Messiah’s Interpretation of the Law
“But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment. And whoever says to his brother, ‘Raca!’ shall be in danger of the council. But whoever says, ‘You fool!’ shall be in danger of hell fire.” (Matthew 5:22, NKJV)

8. A. We should be concerned about internal motivation & causation
Jesus’ interpretation contrasted the mindset of the day
Jesus’ interpretation accounted for the root cause

9. B. We should be aware of the hazards of anger and hate
There is potential danger in anger and hate
There is a proper place for hate and anger
There is a need to recognize the seriousness of our attitudes

10. III. Appreciate the Practical Implications of the Law
“Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.” (Matthew 5:23–24, NKJV)

11. A. Your relationship to your brother affects your relationship with God
Two examples are given to illustrate anger responses
The first example deals with bringing an offering to God

12. Matthew 5:25-26
“Agree with your adversary quickly, while you are on the way with him, lest your adversary deliver you to the judge, the judge hand you over to the officer, and you be thrown into prison. Assuredly, I say to you, you will by no means get out of there till you have paid the last penny.” (Matthew 5:25–26, NKJV)

13. B. The consequences of unresolved conflict can be far reaching
The second example stresses the importance of making things right quickly
The potential consequence is that the judge might make things difficult for both of them

14. C. The effects of hate and anger are not insignificant
We must carefully evaluate and resolve our own hate and anger issues
We must be prepared for false accusations of hate due to our biblical convictions

15. US Commission on Civil Rights report:
“Peacefully Coexistence: Reconciling Nondiscrimination Principles with Civil Liberties”
“Civil rights protections ensuring nondiscrimination, as embodied in the constitution, laws, and policies, are of preeminent importance in American jurisprudence”

16. The report continues…
“Religious exemptions to the protections of civil rights based on classifications such as race, color, national origin, sex, disability status, sexual orientation, and gender identity, when they are permissible, significantly infringe upon these rights.”

17. The chairman of the commission, Martin R. Castro, stated:
“The phrases “religious liberty” and “religious freedom” will stand for nothing except hypocrisy so long as they remain code words for discrimination, intolerance, racism, sexism, homophobia, Islamophobia, Christian supremacy, or any form of intolerance.”