Dear Explorer,
Read Matthew 5:31-32
In Jesus day, as it is today, divorce was a common occurrence. You could divorce at any time for any reason. Of course, in Jesus' day, only a man had that ability. Today, either spouse can file for divorce. But Jesus does not encourage divorce. He knows that when two people are obeying His Holy Spirit, there can be healing and restoration for marriage. Is divorce and adultery unforgiveable? No! But they cause lasting deep scars and damage that lasts a lifetime. Jesus loves you and is telling you what is best for you.
Read Matthew 5:33-37
What was God's Law?
What did Jesus say was His NEW WAY?
Read Matthew 5:38-42
What was God's Law?
What did it mean?
It meant that if someone hurt your arm – you could hurt their arm. If they poked out your eye – you should poke out their eye. If they were mean to you, you should be mean back.
Can you find 6 NEW WAYS that Jesus says to respond?
I found: do not resist an evil person; if someone hits you, turn the other cheek; if they take your tunic, give them your cloak also; if they force you to go 1 mile, go 2; give to anyone who asks; and lend to whoever wants to borrow.
You need to know that the Roman law stated that a soldier could require any person to “carry his stuff” for 1 mile without payment of any kind. The Jews knew exactly how many steps that was – so that they didn't give any more than they absolutely had to by law. Do you see how radical Jesus' teaching was in that day?
Do you consider it radical to live this way today?
Is it easy to live the way Jesus calls us to live? No! It is a call to be radically different! To march to the beat of a different drummer! But my answer is Yes! It is easy because all I must do is be obedient to the Holy Spirit's direction, one step at a time. I don't have to memorize a bunch of Laws or formulas. But the best part is that not only does the Holy Spirit tell me what to do – He also provides me with everything I need to succeed. Just like He led and provided for Jesus!
I don't believe that Jesus' way is limited to just these examples. I believe He desires for us to adopt a lifestyle of loving people. His way is a radically different way of living. Later, we'll see that He stated, “By this will all men know that you are my disciples.” How? By our love for others.
In this NEW WAY of living, we love and don't keep score. We really genuinely care about the other person and his/her feelings. We help, encourage, bless and give because God has given so much to us. It's a radical way to live – it is a blessed way to live!
In His service, dale
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