It is not enough to just avoid bad actions. Our thoughts, words, feelings, and desires are just as important. This teaching was very difficult for the disciples to hear, and it is also true for us. We are now accountable for our anger towards people, and for the things we say in our emails and phone calls. We are pushed to internalize the law in our minds and in our hearts. Even our imagination matters! This is a new step up in our accountability, and this teaching is a very difficult one to follow. Many would have thought that what Jesus was saying was changing everything, but He wasn't. He was fulfilling the law, and going deeper. Even though it is very difficult, blessed are those who walk in the law of the Lord.
