Words To Live By
Matthew 5: 17-48
Jesus is the ultimate law-giver, and what gracious laws he gives! He begins by saying that the laws God gave to Israel were true and right, but they had been perverted into nothing more than a list of “dos and don’ts.” The “dos and don’ts” are important, but God is most concern about the attitude of our hearts.
Murder is wrong, but we must also guard our hearts against hatred, which is a form of spiritual murder. Adultery is wrong, but we must also guard our hearts against lust. Our promises and behaviour should be completely reliable because we are the children of God whose Word is always trustworthy.
When other people make us angry, we may want to get even, but Jesus says we must do good to those who harm us.
