Thou Shalt Not Hate

The Law of Moses teaches that murder is a sin. But the Pharisees interpreted it to mean that murder could render you liable to stiff civil penalties, and thus it was best to avoid murdering anyone. Jesus explained that the real issue with murder is not the civil penalties, but that it's so wrong that anything tending towards it is also wicked. Thus, He says that anger and harsh words are sin, just like murder is! Thus, Jesus demands reconciliation instead of anger. And further, He presupposes that reconciliation is possible. Indeed, reconciliation with God and then with one another is the solution to murderous hearts!