Episode 180: Matthew 5:21-48

Today's meditation is on Matthew 5:21-48

Jesus did not come to abolish the law. He came to fulfill it, and give us a new commandment. In effect, he raised the bar. 

Just because I haven't committed murder, does not that mean I am blameless. If I hold anger in my heart toward a fellow believer, I am still subject to judgement. If I demean and insult a fellow believer, I have to answer to the congregation. And if I call down curses upon a fellow believer, I am in danger of the fires of hell. So, I keep my anger under control and strive to always act in love. 

Likewise, I know that worshipping God while I am in unforgiveness with someone, is fruitless. If I remember that someone has something against me, I go at once to apologize to the one who is offended. After I have been reconciled, I come before the altar and present myself to God. 

If at all possible, I avoid going to court against someone, but come to terms before we go to trial. It is better to settle differences quickly out of court than risk an unfavorable decision by the judge.

God looks on the heart. If I entertain sin in my thoughts, if I imagine it and dwell on it, I have already committed the sin in my heart. It is better to remove the temptation at any cost, than to risk spending eternity in hell. 

I do not make vows by heaven or earth or anything in them. I just let my words ring true. I simply say "Yes" or "No". Anything beyond that springs from the deceiver.

I demonstrate mercy and forgiveness, and don't repay an evil act with another evil act. If someone insults me by slapping me on the right cheek, I turn and offer my other cheek as well. If someone is determined to sue me for my coat, I give him the shirt off my back as a gift in return. And should people in authority take advantage of me, I go the extra mile and do more than what they demand. 

I generously share what I have with those who ask for help, and I don't close my heart to the one who comes to borrow from me. 

I do not just love my neighbors, but I love my enemies as well. I pray for those who persecute me. I bless those who curse me and do something wonderful for the one who hates me. In doing so, I act as a true child of my Father in heaven. For he is kind to all by bringing the sunrise to warm and rainfall to refresh. Whether a person does what is good or evil, he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike. 

There is no reward in loving only the loveable. Unbelievers do that much. If I limit my kindness only to my friends then I am no different from the ungodly. Since I am the child of a perfect Father in heaven, I strive for his perfection.

Until next time, be blessed and be a blessing. 

-----

Music by Scott Dugdale
Museum