Kansas City, Missouri, United States - Reflecting God – Embrace Holy Living - “Love Rejects Revenge” – Friday, 3 October 2014 - Scripture: Matthew 5:38-48

Kansas City, Missouri, United States - Reflecting God – Embrace Holy Living - “Love Rejects Revenge” – Friday, 3 October 2014 - Scripture: Matthew 5: Love Your Enemies
38-42 “Here’s another old saying that deserves a second look: ‘Eye for eye, tooth for tooth.’ Is that going to get us anywhere? Here’s what I propose: ‘Don’t hit back at all.’ If someone strikes you, stand there and take it. If someone drags you into court and sues for the shirt off your back, giftwrap your best coat and make a present of it. And if someone takes unfair advantage of you, use the occasion to practice the servant life. No more tit-for-tat stuff. Live generously.
43-47 “You’re familiar with the old written law, ‘Love your friend,’ and its unwritten companion, ‘Hate your enemy.’ I’m challenging that. I’m telling you to love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst. When someone gives you a hard time, respond with the energies of prayer, for then you are working out of your true selves, your God-created selves. This is what God does. He gives his best—the sun to warm and the rain to nourish—to everyone, regardless: the good and bad, the nice and nasty. If all you do is love the lovable, do you expect a bonus? Anybody can do that. If you simply say hello to those who greet you, do you expect a medal? Any run-of-the-mill sinner does that.
48 “In a word, what I’m saying is, Grow up. You’re kingdom subjects. Now live like it. Live out your God-created identity. Live generously and graciously toward others, the way God lives toward you.”
"Love Rejects Revenge" by David W. Kendall
Jesus taught the two great commands: to love God completely, and to love our neighbors as ourselves. This was the common teaching among God’s people at the time. Interestingly, since the command was to love their neighbor, people often assumed they did not have to love non-neighbors. They sometimes even hated their non-neighbors, if the circumstances were right.
Jesus taught otherwise. He invited his followers to enter into the love of God that extends to all, even to Israel’s enemies. This love led Jesus to the cross that provided atonement for those who had never asked for it and didn’t deserve it.
Today we have a choice. We can focus on self, or we can focus on the God who embodies the right in Jesus. We can measure doses of judgment and limit our love. Or we can become people of God’s boundless love who reflect Him to every person we encounter.
We can try to suppress our urge to get even, or we can join the One who leaves blessing along every path He walks. We can do our best, or we can enter into God's best.

Hymn for Today:

"Just A Closer Walk With Thee" by Annonymous
1. I am weak but Thou art strong;
Jesus, keep me from all wrong;
I'll be satisfied as long
As I walk, let me walk close to Thee.
Refrain:
Just a closer walk with Thee,
Grant it, Jesus, is my plea,
Daily walking close to Thee,
Let it be, dear Lord, let it be.
2. Thro' this world of toil and snares,
If I falter, Lord, who cares?
Who with me my burden shares?
None but Thee, dear Lord, none but Thee.
Refrain:
Just a closer walk with Thee,
Grant it, Jesus, is my plea,
Daily walking close to Thee,
Let it be, dear Lord, let it be.
3. When my feeble life is o'er,
Time for me will be no more;
Guide me gently, safely o'er

To Thy kingdom shore, to Thy shore.
Refrain:
Just a closer walk with Thee,
Grant it, Jesus, is my plea,
Daily walking close to Thee,
Let it be, dear Lord, let it be.
Thought for Today:

“Suffering for Doing Good
Summing up: Be agreeable, be sympathetic, be loving, be compassionate, be humble. That goes for all of you, no exceptions. No retaliation. No sharp-tongued sarcasm. Instead, bless—that’s your job, to bless. You’ll be a blessing and also get a blessing.
Whoever wants to embrace life
    and see the day fill up with good,
Here’s what you do:
    Say nothing evil or hurtful;
Snub evil and cultivate good;
    run after peace for all you’re worth.
God looks on all this with approval,
    listening and responding well to what he’s asked;
But he turns his back
    on those who do evil things."(1 Peter 3:8-12)
Prayer Needs:
That people in Haiti will come to know Jesus the Christ, Yeshua the Messiah, and receive the fullness of the Holy Spirit.
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