Monday 28 February 2011

Sermon on the mount - part - Matthew 5

JESUS TELLS US TO FORGIVE OUR ENEMIES

Do you demonstrate love for your enemies and wish them PEACE or do you:-
  • judge them to be less noble / worthy / gifted / intelligent / educated / holy / mature / worldly wise than you
  • hold them in contempt
  • say spiteful things to them
  • avoid making eye contact with them
  • slander them
  • gossip about them
  • endeavour to obtain sympathy and have others 'side' with you?
This is not the how Jesus teaches us to behave.  Carrying out Jesus' instructions is an on-going practice in which we are tested - and  fall - every day.  Therefore who are we to judge others.  Before we can correct this fault we need to recognise when it happens.  When I do actually recognise myself judging others, which is often, I ask Jesus to forgive me and guide me in 'right thinking' for His sake and for mine. 

Below is part of Jesus' sermon on the mount which contains all the instructions we need to know how to live.

It is not easy - cannot be argued with - and is inescapably Jesus' teaching.
 
'Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.' (2 Peter 1:20)

It is never too late to decide to turn from what you know is wrong and causing you discomfort.  Why not ask God to help you re-direct your every step back onto the straight path toward heaven. 
Every correct step, however small, will make a positive difference to how you feel about yourself.

You already know what is best for your health and well-being. 
.
Matthew chapter 5


38Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth:

39But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.

40And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloak also.

41And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain.

42Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.

 
43Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.


44But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;


45That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.


46For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?

47And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so?


48Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

No comments: