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)