Dealing with people can be difficult. It can be hard enough to love a friend or family member, but we're supposed to love our enemies, too? The people who are out to do us harm? Can Jesus be serious? In our previous message, we looked at the challenge of holding our temper, and we were warned that "anyone who is so much as angry with a brother or sister is guilty of murder." Harsh words. But as we continue in Matthew 5, we find Jesus pushing us even further. Turn the other cheek... Go the extra mile... Love your enemy. Most of us have heard this teaching many times, but even if we call ourselves Christians, do we really take it seriously? For many of us, it likely sounds like something that would be "lovely in an ideal world," but is simply not practical in real life. Or is it? "Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst," Jesus says. "Live out your God-created identity. Live generously and graciously toward others, the way God lives toward you." Once again, we have a hard teaching that is counter-intuitive but so true. And again, we look at ways to do it, and why it's so important and beneficial for all. The message for February 20th is now ready for download. |
|
|