“Whosoever Is Angry with His Brother Shall Be in Danger of His Judgment”

George Reynolds, Janne M. Sjodahl

Our Lord teaches that the once common view, according to which only the actual slayer of a fellow being stands in danger of the judgment of God, is too narrow. One who is angry with his brother is in the same danger. One who shall say to his brother, “Raca” (which means literally, “emptyhead”) stands in danger of a trial before the ecclesiastical council. Similarly, one who begins by calling his brother a “fool,” stands in danger of finally landing in “hell” fire, as an outcast. For, the road downward is easy. Our Lord counsels His hearers to be reconciled to each other, to forgive each other, before they engage in worship. Anger and devotion to God do not mix. They are like fire and water. “I, the Lord, will forgive all men.” (D. & C. 64:10) Be reconciled to thy brother, and then come to me.

Commentary on the Book of Mormon, Vol. 7

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