A particularly exacting element in Jesus' teaching is the emphasis on motivation. Love which is simply "on the surface" is not real. Real love must permeate the whole of one's being. Consequently, not only the outer act is important, but also the inner attitude which prompts it. The very root of the problem of ethics is motivation:
You have heard that it was said to the men of old, "You shall not kill; and whoever kills shall be liable to judgment." But I say to you that every one who is angry with his brother shall be liable to judgment ( Matt. 5: 21, 22).
Presumably you can plead "not guilty" to the charge of having murdered anyone. But can you plead "not guilty" to the charge of having been angry? It is anger which is at the root of murder. Anger, therefore, is the place to attack the problem. Our motives need constant exploration -- and purging.
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