Read Matthew 5:43-48 “I love everyone.” Easy to say, hard to live. “I love everyone, but I don’t have to like them all.” It may be technically true, but is not very biblical. “I love those who are like-minded in Christ.” Now, you’re just falling off the path. What did Jesus say on the mountain? Love … More What if my enemy walks in?
Read Matthew 5:38-42 He was referring to the Law. Justice is pretty clear-cut. Lose an eye, take an eye. A tooth for a tooth. It’s easy to follow the logic of the law. I’m sure Jesus wondered why his people couldn’t follow it better. After all, it was easy to understand. But Jesus wasn’t just … More What if I get smacked?
Read Matthew 5:29-30. “The Devil made me do it!” At least, that’s what comedian Flip Wilson used to say. The blame game is nothing new. It started in the Garden and has never ended. What’s funny to me, though, in this passage from the Sermon on the Mount, is that Jesus seems to be letting … More What if it’s your eye’s fault?
Read Matthew 5:21-26 He was preaching to thousands. It’s hard to imagine that he would specifically intend this lesson for me, right? Yet, like his parable about the sower, I suppose he was spreading seeds here, and it’s for me to decide what kind of soil I will be. I can’t exactly pick and chose … More What if your brother’s mad at you?
Following Jesus is not easy. It’s joyful, wonderful, full of blessings, but not necessarily easy. He never said it would be, but he did say he would be with us. I’m so grateful for that! During his short time on this earth, Jesus shared with his followers (which includes those present and those to come–us) … More What if…