Spirituality of the Law
47
hold us accountable for even a word spoken in contempt of one soul
for whom Christ laid down His life.
“Who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that
thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou
glory, as if thou hadst not received it?” “Who art thou that judgest
another man’s servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth.”
1
Corinthians 4:7
;
Romans 14:4
.
“Whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of the hell of
fire.” R.V. In the Old Testament the word “fool” is used to designate an
apostate, or one who has abandoned himself to wickedness. Jesus says
that whoever shall condemn his brother as an apostate or a despiser of
God shows that he himself is worthy of the same condemnation.
Christ Himself, when contending with Satan about the body of
Moses, “durst not bring against him a railing accusation.”
Jude 9
. Had
He done this, He would have placed Himself on Satan’s ground, for
accusation is the weapon of the evil one. He is called in Scripture, “the
accuser of our brethren.”
Revelation 12:10
. Jesus would employ none
of Satan’s weapons. He met him with the words, “The Lord rebuke
thee.”
Jude 9
.
His example is for us. When we are brought in conflict with the
enemies of Christ, we should say nothing in a spirit of retaliation or
that would bear even the appearance of a railing accusation. He who
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stands as a mouthpiece for God should not utter words which even the
Majesty of heaven would not use when contending with Satan. We are
to leave with God the work of judging and condemning.
“Be reconciled to thy brother.”—Matthew 5:24.
The love of God is something more than a mere negation; it is
a positive and active principle, a living spring, ever flowing to bless
others. If the love of Christ dwells in us, we shall not only cherish no
hatred toward our fellows, but we shall seek in every way to manifest
love toward them.
Jesus said, “If thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest
that thy brother hath aught against thee; leave there thy gift before
the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then
come and offer thy gift.” The sacrificial offerings expressed faith that
through Christ the offerer had become a partaker of the mercy and love