20th Dec

2 Chronicles 22-23     Zechariah 7     Revelation 11     (Click on the Reference to go to the passage)



In your hearts do not think evil of each other – Zech 7:9


Who doesn’t love watching an exciting film with villains, secret plots, fight scenes, surprising twists and a triumphant hero in the end? It is possible to visualise the past historic events of 2 Chr 22-23 and the future events of Rev 11 like an action movie; however there is another type of very real drama constantly taking place, often invisible to others, but never to God: the attitudes and emotions inside our hearts.
In Zech 7 the people ask whether they should continue fasting in the fifth month, as they have done for the past seventy years in commemoration of the breaching of the walls of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar. God responds by pointing out that he is actually more interested in true justice, mercy, compassion and protection of the weak. He closes saying “In your hearts do not think evil of each other”. (Zech 7:9)
The apostle John wrote that we have been told from the beginning that we should love one another and goes on to explain: “Anyone who hates a brother or sister is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life residing in him” (1 Jn 3:14).
It is difficult to hide a negative attitude towards another person. In Matt 15:18-19 Jesus tells us that the things coming out of the mouth come from the heart. Our words can be very powerful to the point of life or death (Prov 18:21). It doesn’t necessarily have to be open hostility, but even nuances in tone and expression can be equally devastating.
What is our attitude? Do we treat our fellow human beings with true justice? Is Christ Church a place where mercy and genuine compassion are shown to one another? Is there anyone we are thinking evil of in our hearts?
We all know that it is much easier to engage in religious activities such as the fasting in Zech 7, rather than to change attitudes in our heart. Luckily however, we don’t have to rely on ourselves to deal with this problem: through the blood of Jesus and with a sincere heart we are able to draw near to God and have our hearts cleansed (Heb 10:19-22).
Father God, we are sorry if darkness in our hearts has caused harm through careless words. Please cleanse our hearts from any evil thoughts. Amen.

(friend of Christ Church)