Does Murder Lead to Hell

Does anger lead to hell? How about to murder?

Anger and the Heart:

In His profound Sermon on the Mount, Jesus clarifies righteousness, calling His followers to look beyond outward actions and examine the intentions of their hearts. One of His challenging teachings is found in Matthew 5:21-22, where He states, “You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment.”

This statement challenges the traditional understanding of sin, elevating anger to the same plane as murder. How can anger, an internal emotion, carry such weight? Let’s explore the implications of Jesus’ teaching and how it calls us to live differently.

Anger and Its Consequences

Jesus begins by referencing the sixth commandment, “Do not murder,” a clear directive against taking another’s life. However, He quickly moves beyond the physical act of murder to the root causes: anger, contempt, and harmful words. He warns that even calling someone a fool places a person in danger of severe consequences.

Why such a harsh comparison? Anger, when left unchecked, can lead to actions and words that destroy relationships, reputations, and even lives. While murder ends physical life, anger and contempt attack the soul and spirit, often inflicting wounds that linger far longer than physical harm.

Jesus uses vivid language to drive this point home, urging His listeners to take the condition of their hearts seriously. This teaching challenges us to consider not just what we do, but why we do it.

Priorities in Worship

In Matthew 5:23-24, Jesus shifts the focus to reconciliation: “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First, go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.”

Here, Jesus emphasizes the importance of relationships over rituals. Worship and offerings are meaningless if we harbor unresolved conflict. This directive to seek reconciliation first underscores the interconnectedness of our relationship with God and our relationships with others.

In ancient Jewish culture, reconciliation was a communal priority. The Day of Atonement, for instance, provided an annual opportunity for individuals to make amends and seek forgiveness. Jesus expands on this practice, urging His followers to prioritize reconciliation at all times.

The Danger of Contempt

One of the most striking aspects of Jesus’ teaching is His condemnation of contempt. Insults like “fool” or “empty-headed” may seem minor, but they reveal a heart that devalues another person. Contempt places us in the position of judge, assigning worth—or lack thereof—to someone made in God’s image.

This attitude is particularly harmful because it erodes the foundation of love and respect that underpins healthy relationships. When we view others as worthless, we not only harm them but also separate ourselves from God’s love and purpose.

A Warning About Gehenna

Jesus’ warning about the “fire of Gehenna” (often translated as hell) further highlights the seriousness of these issues. Gehenna, a physical location outside Jerusalem with a grim history of idolatry and child sacrifice, had become a symbol of divine judgment by Jesus’ time. While the full exploration of Gehenna’s meaning is discussed in another blog post Hell: What did Jesus really mean?, it’s important to note here that Jesus uses it as a metaphor for the destructive consequences of sin.

Practical Steps to Address Anger

Examine Your Heart: Reflect on the root causes of your anger. Is it justified, or does it stem from unmet expectations or misunderstandings?

Repend & seek forgiveness: Take proactive steps to mend broken relationships. Apologize where necessary and extend forgiveness, even if it’s not reciprocated.

Guard your Words: Recognize the power of your words to build up or tear down. Choose language that reflects God’s love and grace.

Pray for Transformation: Ask God to reveal and heal the areas of your heart where anger or contempt may linger.

Jesus’ teaching on anger in the Sermon on the Mount is a call to radical heart transformation. By equating anger with murder, He compels us to take stock of our thoughts, words, and relationships. This is not about condemnation but about living in alignment with God’s kingdom—a kingdom where love, reconciliation, and humility reign.

Let this teaching challenge and inspire you to pursue peace and reflect God’s love in all your interactions.

If you'd like to dive deeper into this topic, check out our podcast episode, where Mike and I discuss it in detail.