A Murderous Heart...

Today's sermon was on the 6th Commandment -- Thou Shalt Not Murder.  Pastor JD talked about how most of us think it doesn't really apply to us but on the contrary it really does bc the murder is in our hearts.  It is in our hearts when we wish evil upon those who haved wronged us and when we don't forgive whole-heartedly and completely.  Harboring the unforgiveness in our hearts creates a sense of evil-doing against the one who has wronged us no matter how simple the wrong has been, an unkind word or deed perhaps.  Because people are made in the image of God they all deserve the love that Christ died to give us.  No, we can't all die to show love for our fellow man but should we be prepared to?  On some level and in some circumstances yes. 
This lesson hit me right between the eyes.  There are many people who have wronged me in the past that I hold in a special place in my heart, a special no-touch place.  That place that I don't talk about or even think about for that matter.  I realize that keeping them there is not forgiveness.  It's more like complacency, an attempt to forget their wrong-doings.  I wonder if I saw them today would I be able to share the love of Jesus.  What do you think?  Could you?