One of the things that distance us from God are interpersonal problems, what we say or do to harm others.

Jesus said it this way: “You have heard that it was said to those of old, “You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.”

But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever curses him will be liable to the hell of fire.”

There is a terrible connection between killing someone and insulting or cursing them. Killing someone is taking away the organic life that God gave them. Meanwhile, insulting and cursing them is killing the soul, stripping away their dignity, convincing them that they are worthless, and distancing them from God’s purposes.

Both are forms of murder, and both are equally serious in the Kingdom of God.

“Therefore, if you bring your offering to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your offering there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and present your offering” (Matthew 5:23-24).