Tag: Matthew 5
Love your enemies!
Scripture reading for January 7: Matthew 5
“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of the Father Who is in heaven. For He makes His sun rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the just and the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? You, therefore, must be perfect, as your Father is perfect.” Matthew 5:43-48
The current world-view in Jesus’ day was not much different than now: “You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.” But Jesus taught a radically different way of living and loving. We are to love our enemies, do them good, and pray for them. This kind of love is how our heavenly Father loves us and all who hate Him. Jesus told how His Father gave rain on the land of the just as well as the unjust. Mercy triumphs over judgment and His goodness leads to repentance. By being like our Father, we may win over those who are centered on the world’s way of doing business. Our good deeds of love towards enemies may break through the hatred and reveal Jesus’ love in us.
This passage is part of Jesus’ ‘Sermon on the Mount’ where He teaches His disciples the blessed life of those in God’s kingdom. I struggled to change my thinking towards those who opposed me. The ways of our secular culture are deeply embedded in my thinking and behavior. Jesus Christ revealed to me His Father’s heart to reach all enemies and rebels. I am still wrestling with how to walk this out daily.
What view of dealing with your enemies do you hold today? How does this mesh with what Jesus revealed to His disciples? What one thing can you do today to show love to someone who you view as your enemy? Does this kind of thinking offend your sense of justice or fairness?
Prayer: Father, forgive me for my lack of love for those who I consider my enemies. Help me to love them as You do. Show me how to pray for them and act in their best interest. Amen.
Blessed are the persecuted!
Scripture reading for January 7th: Matthew 5
Key Scriptures: Matthew 5:11-12 “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”
Jesus warned and taught His disciples that they would be persecuted. He, Himself, suffered persecution because of His stand for God’s truth. Our attitude in times of persecution should not be “woe is me!” Jesus taught that His followers should rejoice and be glad because of a great reward in heaven! This takes faith and an understanding of God’s word and His precious promises. He promised great reward and that is enough! We are not the first to experience this persecution and Jesus wasn’t either. The prophets of old also suffered! It is said that Isaiah was cut in half with a saw. Jeremiah was cast into the mud of a cistern and eventually stoned in Egypt where he had warned God’s people not to go! The people wanted to kill Moses and return to Egypt. We stand in good company with God’s prophets when we are persecuted for righteousness!
Observation for over-comers: Our attitude reflects the faith and rest we have in God’s promises in times of persecution that are already here! “The Lord is my Light and my Salvation–whom shall I fear? The Lord is the Stronghold of my life–of whom shall I be afraid?” (Psalm 27:1)
Jesus: “I tell you!”
Scripture reading for January 7th: Matthew 5
Many focus on the Beatitudes as a wonderful statement of kingdom life and blessings. But Jesus spoke at length about many other common beliefs held among the people. He reminded the people with “you have heard it said:” and then countered the common sayings with God’s perspective. These truths ran counter to the current religious teaching of the day. They also challenge us today in that the religious world still holds some of the same perspectives.
“You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘Do not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment.” (Matthew 5:21-22a) Jesus took one of the Ten Commandments and showed that under kingdom rules, anger with another also was capable of bringing judgment. Murder starts in the heart with feelings of anger and disparaging comments like “You fool!”! God looks at the heart, not just the actions!
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Do not commit adultery.’ But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body that for your whole body to be thrown into hell.” (Matthew 5:27-29) Jesus took another of the commandments and showed that adultery also started in the heart. God doesn’t just look at the acts in the kingdom He rules, he looks at the heart. Breaking this command is serious business! Better to lose an eye than to go to hell! Maybe it’s time to listen to Jesus!