You Have Heard

Matthew 5; Proverbs 1 43 “You have heard that the law of Moses says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy. 44 But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! 45 In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and on the unjust, too. 46 If you love only those who love you, what good is that? Even corrupt tax collectors do that much. 47 If you are kind only to your friends, how are you different from anyone else? Even pagans do that. 48 But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect. (Matthew 5:43-48 NLT) Six times in Matthew 5, Jesus uses the phrases, “You have heard that the law of Moses says… But I say…!” In each case, regarding murder, adultery, divorce, vows and promises, retaliation, and love for enemies, Jesus raises the bar significantly! Jesus takes it from action to attitude, from outward behavior to motives, from observance of the law to the condition of the heart. This is not about legalism or earning God’s approval. This is about allowing the Holy Spirit to convict us of heart attitudes that are not in harmony with Grace—God’s Grace to us and through us! Here are some practices I’m learning that are helping me make a little progress:
• Think about how much God loves each of my “enemies!”
• Observe without judgment.
• Speak well of others instead of criticizing them.
• Pray for those who irritate or hurt me.
• Bless always and curse never! Prayer:

Father, Your son Jesus is setting the bar awfully high here! I know that you love me and that you love those who hurt, hate, or judge me just as much as you love me. I really want to live up to this standard of love and grace. Forgive me when I fail, and fill me with your Spirit of Grace. Help me love them all! Amen!