The Depth and Breadth of God’s Law

Jesus talked about the commandments separately and showed how far-reaching their principles are. He said that we can violate the law of God by the evil thought or lustful look. The smallest injustice breaks the law. Those who give hatred a place in their hearts are setting their feet in the path of the murderer.HH 138.5

The Jews nurtured a spirit of retaliation. In their hatred of the Romans, they denounced them harshly, training themselves to do terrible deeds. Some kinds of indignation are justifiable, even in the followers of Christ. When they see God dishonored and the innocent oppressed, a righteous indignation stirs the soul. Such anger is not sin. But we must banish bitterness and animosity from the heart if we want to be in harmony with heaven.HH 138.6

God’s ideal for His children is higher than the highest human thought can reach. “Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” NRSV. This command is a promise. The plan of redemption aims at our complete recovery from the power of Satan. Christ always separates the sorrowing one from sin. He has made provision to give the Holy Spirit to every repentant person, to keep him from sinning.HH 138.7