Gets out from the rock I crawled under from last time’s post. Some pretty heavy stuff, but Jesus preaches righteousness and purity. His teachings are not always going to be easy to hear, but they are always worth His glory and our edification.
Today’s Reading: Matthew 5:31-48, Luke 6:27-36
Marriage Is Sacred & Oaths Are Forbidden
Jesus teaches that though the law of old said if a man divorces his wife to give her a certificate of divorce. He warns should the divorce happen, unless it was because of sexual immorality, it causes her to commit adultery. He says if a man marries a divorced woman he commits adultery.
Jesus then speaks of the old law if one is to swear, they should not swear falsely, but perform their oaths (a vow or promise) to the Lord. However, again He adds further clarification. No one should swear at all, not by heaven, not by earth, not by Jerusalem, and not on ourselves because we have no power ultimately, only the Lord does. Meaning an oath speaks of something not done yet because we do not have control of the future we are not certain we could keep our oath, even if we tried. Only the Lord has this power.
Jesus does say to be sincere with our yes and no.
Go The Second Mile
Totally an area I struggle with.
Jesus teaches that in the old law it was an eye for an eye. But He says to bear burdens and hardship. If people hurt us or steal from us. If they take up our time. Give to those who ask. Please understand, though, He is not saying for us to be a doormat and enable people’s ill behavior. Enabling people is not Christlike either. But there are times people will take advantage of us and Christ wants us to go beyond. Showing kindness, love, and not seeking revenge, even when people hurt us. Remember, again, we will be forgiven as we forgive!
The book of Luke includes this portion of going the second mile when discussing how to love our enemies. Luke 6:29-30
Love Your Enemies
Matthew 5:43-48, Luke 6:27-36
Jesus continues teaching from the old law. It was said to love our neighbor and hate our enemy. Christ says to love our enemy and bless those who curse us, to do good for those who hate us, to pray for those who spitefully use and persecute us. (Matt. 5:44)
When we show genuine loving-kindness toward our enemies it makes us sons of God. We have the reminder that the sun rises on the evil and good. The rain falls on the just and the unjust. It’s easy to love those who love us. Sinners do the same! We are to love everyone and show kindness, just like God does.
The book of Luke has some extra things to add. It is here we have the “golden rule” do unto others as we would like to be treated. We are further told when we give not to expect to receive anything back, in fact, we are told to HOPE FOR NOTHING BEING RETURNED! Great is our reward! We are to be merciful, just like our Father in heaven is.
What To Take Away: In order to love and forgive like Jesus, we must have the right walk with Christ. Otherwise, when people hurt us and take advantage of us we will absolutely struggle with our flesh. It’s hard not to desire revenge or harm on a person, but God doesn’t want us to go to Hell when we sin, though we are deserving. It isn’t fair that we desire hurt or even Hell itself on another person. God will hold us accountable to our thoughts and what we harbor in our hearts, and yes, it could put us in Hell!
Post | Wanting Someone To Go To Hell (Or Pointing Fingers At Hypocrites) May Put YOU In Hell
Worship Song: By Our Love by King & Country
Message To Grow From: Christians! Can We Give New Believers Some Grace Please?! by Melissa Dougherty
Ponder Below:
Is there anything you are harboring in your heart that you need to give to Jesus?
Monthly Scripture- (NKJ) Psalm 85:02, “You have forgiven the iniquity of Your people; You have covered all their sin. Selah.”
Community Prayer Requests | January ’20– Join us in requesting prayer, praying for each other and lifting each other up.
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Thank you for posting, it was so encouraging and a great reminder. : )
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😊 Praise the Lord!
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God’s vengeance is always best. He is a God of justice.
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Amen!
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Definitely a post I needed to read today. With all the struggles Prevail Church is having with the former members, it can be so difficult to remain silent and not say something. But the Lord is teaching me to just take a deep breath and pray for them and for the situation,
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Praise the Lord for His timing. I can’t imagine the hurt you’re experiencing. I can see a deep need for prayer for those people because the enemy is delighted they have fallen into one of his traps. May those hurting from this not also fall into a trap of bitterness, anger, resentment, and possibly revenge. I’ll be lifting you up, Leigh!
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Thank you so much!
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This is relatable. As of recently, I’ve been faced with a lot of situations that heighten the importance of finding a balance between forgiveness and speaking up for myself when I need to. It was enlightening because I noticed a sense of ease when determining the importance of praying for these people but I struggled to stop myself from expanding on how I felt when I was angry. The balance of speaking up and remaining calm can be overwhelming. Blessings
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It really can be. The more upset we are the harder it is to find the balance. I’ve been working on stepping away when emotional and waiting to calm down. Sort through the issue. Sometimes my wanting to feel validated is the issue, it heightens what I feel. God has helped me tremendously on this, but there is more work to do.
Thanks for opening up. I think many of us relate. I do for sure.
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