Go the second mile...

38 “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’[f] 39 But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. 40 If anyone wants to sue you and take away your tunic, let him have your cloak also. 41 And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two. 42 Give to him who asks you, and from him who wants to borrow from you do not turn away."

What would compel someone to do the exact opposite of what is expected of them? Can you imagine even doing something like what Jesus is asking us to do? It seems outrageous, doesn’t it? Well, it's not outrageous, it’s Christ-like.

Jesus looks at what the past culture was, an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. Then He says to go beyond our vengeful nature and tap into our loving nature. If we are truly in the realm of love, everything we do would be out of love. Love would be dripping from our very pores. We would not even consider repaying someone who wronged us.

If you ever had a dog and missed and stepped on its tail, their natural instinct is to retaliate, turn around and bite you. I have never seen a dog that has not tried to bite or bark at the person who stepped on their tail, whether it was an accident or intentional, that dog will retaliate. 

So, are we not above dogs? I know that sounds harsh but isn't our intelligence higher than that of animals? If we are the more intelligent beings, why do we tap into an animalistic nature and refuse to follow our spiritual nature?

Our vengeful nature is to retaliate when someone hurts us. “Tit for tat." We keep score of what people do to us and we wait to get them back, some people do not wait, it is automatic, almost instinctual. But when the love of Jesus fills our hearts, when we remember what people have done to us, the thought of getting revenge is fleeting or nonexistent. It does not mean that we are not hurt by their actions or words, it merely signifies that we operate from a higher place of understanding. 

The love of Jesus compels us to go the extra mile. Do not act based on what we have been taught or conditioned to think, constantly feeding the flesh. However, act out of our Christ-like nature which says to turn the other cheek when someone slaps us. The scripture further states, let the person who is suing you for the tunic have the cloak as well, go another mile with the one who is asking you to go one mile with them.

These are not acts of the flesh. These are acts of humans who are Christ-filled, and who understand that living Christ-like is the best way to feed our spirit. Doing what Jesus tells us to do is the best way to feed our spirit (our Christ-like nature) and not walk after the flesh (our carnal way of thinking).

I would like to compare us to the diamond that starts off as coal and is under pressure because a precious diamond. Brothers and sisters, it’s not easy especially if we have been conditioned to think and act a certain way. However, I do not believe that Jesus is asking of us anything that we cannot do. Jesus believes that we can do it. He even goes further in believing that we too can strive for perfection just like our Heavenly Father - Matthew 5:48. Now if Jesus says it, it can be attained. No matter how many times you fall, get back up and keep on trucking. Keep doing what Jesus is calling us to do.

God loves you. Be blessed!

Life is a blessing ...

Life keeps moving forward, even when you are having a bad day or when things do not go as planned. It doesn't stop to give you a moment to gather yourself, the clock keeps ticking.  

The only true refuge is God, our source of strength, wisdom, love and so much more.

When you feel exhausted and overwhelmed in every area of your life, it is a sign to pause and draw closer to God. Retreat into His presence and remain there, for He can carry you through the toughest days and turn the good ones into something extraordinary. 

In this life...

Every day is a blessing

Every new person you meet is a meeting with God's creation

Every conversation is honored 

Every smile is heartwarming

Every hug is a delight

Every kiss is adored

Every kind word or word of encouragement is a manifestation of love

Every tear is cleansing

Every frustration is a test

Every trial is strengthening

Every prayer is bonding time between Father and His child

I'm only here for a short time, as are all of us, what you do with your life is what you see fit, but as for me and my house we shall serve the Lord! Every day I try to do the right thing according to God's word. I want my life to be consumed by Him and for Him to use me, as He has countless times. He will always get the glory. I learned a while back, whether verbalized or not that we think small and God thinks big (look at our universe). As big as we may think we are thinking, it cannot compare to God's great thinking. I say that because in this life, those blessings that we may think will make us happy, God sees more and wants to give us more but we have to be in line to receive those blessings, we have to have that relationship with Him for Him to bless us.

We cannot put a limit on God. In my life, I can say that it has been faith that has proven this to be a fact. When all around me say no it cannot happen, I say yes it will and I have faith and what I put my faith in comes to pass. But the minute I start buying into what everyone is pessimistic about, I realize that what they say does come into being because I started to believe it. Be careful what you say. Be careful who you listen to. Be careful what you believe. 

Life is nothing without God. Aside from the many blessings He is able to bestow upon us, our main focus should be to have a meaningful relationship with Him. Sometimes we see what we can get out of God and we may want to use Him as we use others but God knows our hearts. He knows all things. Be honest, be true, and be all that you can be in Christ. The sky is truly the limit.

"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." Matthew 6:33

Let your Yes be Yes and Your No be No

33 “Again you have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not swear falsely, but shall perform your oaths to the Lord.’ 34 But I say to you, do not swear at all: neither by heaven, for it is God’s throne; 35 nor by the earth, for it is His footstool; nor by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. 36 Nor shall you swear by your head, because you cannot make one hair white or black. 37 But let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’ For whatever is more than these is from the evil one. - Matthew 5:31-37

Heaven is God's throne and the Earth His footstool, Jesus reiterated this as it was written in Isaiah 66:1. Can we truly understand the magnitude of that concept? Can we even imagine what that means? If we can, the mere thought of swearing by heaven or earth wouldn't even

Marriage is sacred and binding

Right after speaking about Adultery, Jesus' next topic, surprisingly, deals with marriage and this is what he has to say in his sermon on the mount in Matthew 5:31-32:

31 “Furthermore it has been said, ‘Whoever divorces his wife, let him give her a certificate of divorce.’ 32 But I say to you that whoever divorces his wife for any reason except sexual immorality causes her to commit adultery; and whoever marries a woman who is divorced commits adultery.

I can't think of marriage without thinking about my parents. They didn't believe in divorce, for better or worse they stuck it out even when they said they would leave, they stayed together. As children, my brothers, sister, and I growing up, we got to see what a real marriage

Adultery in the Heart

Can you truly commit adultery in your heart? Well, Jesus said you can and if He said it - it's the truth. In his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus continues to reveal to us the sins of the heart and how those sins have eternal consequences. Let's continue our bible study on Matthew 5:27-30.

27 “You have heard that it was said to those of old,[c] ‘You shall not commit adultery.’[d] 28 But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. 29 If your right eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell. 30 And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell.

Firstly Jesus looked at "Do not commit murder." Now he refers to another commandment, "You shall not commit adultery."  With both of these commandments, there was a consequence according to the law but Jesus is saying that the consequences for these will be based on what is in your heart rather than what you do outwardly.

Adultery is defined as a physical act, an act involving either voluntary sexual intercourse, a kiss, or other sexual acts between a married person and someone other than their spouse. In some cases, a non-sexual but intimate relationship is considered an act of adultery. Adultery is known as cheating, being unfaithful, or having an affair. It is a sin according to the word of God and is grounds for a divorce. Adultery breaks up marriages and families. It is an act that is often done in secret for fear of the repercussions. 

Whether the adulterous acts are discovered, confessed, or remain hidden, the people involved are always aware of what occurred. The thoughts of the affair, although entirely private, can replay in their minds over and over, any time they want, without anyone else knowing. So, which is worse: repeatedly engaging in sinful thoughts in your mind and heart, or acting them out physically?

Jesus teaches that both are sinful acts that believers should not engage in. While the penalty for the physical act was already clear, Jesus takes it a step further by addressing the severity of what happens in our hearts and minds. He reveals that sinful thoughts and desires carry an equally, if not more, severe penalty. "But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart," Matthew 5:28.

But why would a thought carry so much weight? Because what we meditate on in our hearts reflects the true condition of our soul and is the root from which actions grow. Jesus calls us to purity, not only in behavior but in the very depths of our thoughts and intentions, as they ultimately determine the direction of our lives. "Keep your heart with all diligence, For out of it spring the issues of life," Proverbs 4:23.

In life, we may deceive others, pretend, lie, put on a façade, and act out the best Oscar-winning performances to hide the truth, but we cannot do that with God. When we come to God in prayer, it is a moment to humble ourselves, acknowledging that He sees and knows everything. We should be inclined to say, "Lord, you know me better than I know myself. When others fail to catch the sinful acts I commit in my heart and with my body, you already see it all. Lord purge me of anything that separates me from You and could ultimately lead me to eternal separation in hell." 

Can you imagine trying to lie to God in prayer? Pretending to be innocent while He already knows the truth? While you may successfully deceive others, there is no hiding from God.

No one may ever discover what you do in private, but God knows. Whatever it is that is causing you to be a candidate for hell's fire, cut it off, cut it out of your life completely. It is better to lose whatever leads you to sin, even if it feels like losing a part of yourself than to remain whole and face eternal separation from God. Jesus said it clearly in Matthew 5:29-30, "And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell."

I want to make it to Heaven, and I hope you do, too. Whatever it is in your life that leads you away from God—you know what it is—cut it off and let it go. In the end, this is a battle for our souls, and we must ensure that our hearts and every part of our being remain pure, every day and in every way. That’s what Jesus calls us to do.

We don’t know when we’ll take our last breath, so we must stay ready. It’s not an easy journey, but let’s keep fighting the good fight of faith.

“For the LORD searches every heart and understands every motive behind the thoughts” (1 Chronicles 28:9).

  "Would not God search this out? For He knows the secrets of the heart." (Psalm 44:21)

Reconcile Before It's Too Late

Matthew 5: 21-26 continues Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a pure heart.

21 “You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder,[a] and whoever murders will be in danger of the judgment.’ 22 But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause[b] shall be in danger of the judgment. And whoever says to his brother, ‘Raca!’ shall be in danger of the council. But whoever says, ‘You fool!’ shall be in danger of hell fire. 23 Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, 24 leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. 25 Agree with your adversary quickly, while you are on the way with him, lest your adversary deliver you to the judge, the judge hand you over to the officer, and you be thrown into prison. 26 Assuredly, I say to you, you will by no means get out of there till you have paid the last penny.

The church I attended as a child put so much emphasis on being pure at heart before giving your tithes that before offering was collected at every service, the pastor would say

Jesus Christ Came to Fulfill

In Matthew 5:17-20, during the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus reveals the purpose of His coming:

17 “Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. 18 For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled. 19 Whoever therefore breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20 For I say to you, that unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.

The word fulfill means to accomplish, complete, or realize. Jesus did not come to abolish the law but to fulfill what was written in both the law and the prophets. Therefore, we cannot ignore what was written in the Old Testament. Instead, Jesus is showing us that everything in scripture points to Him. Jesus did not come to erase the law nor the prophets but to bring their purpose to completion, to realize what was written about Him while revealing God's ultimate plan for salvation through Him.

It can be likened to a relationship. First, there is the initial period where you get to know the person and you date that person. Later comes the courtship where you decide that this is the person I am going to exclusively date with the intent to marry. It is followed by the engagement where you make it official that this is the person who you are going to marry and choose to marry. Marriage then cements what was already there and what you have built. Now does that mean that the previous stages before marriage were meaningless or null and void? Does marriage cancel out those stages? No, it does not. Marriage now ties those stages together because those stages lead up to marriage.

Jesus was that marriage that tied both Law and Prophets together and did not cancel out either because both are important. He states how important the Law and Prophets are by stating the consequences for breaking and observing the commandments. This teaches us that what God has declared for His people to follow will stand til the end of time. "For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled," Matthew 5;18

Jesus goes on to talk about our righteousness and how it has to exceed that of the Pharisees and scribes. These persons in Jesus' day accused him and his disciples of not following the Law on numerous occasions. They held themselves above others as they knew the law and observed the law on their terms. They switched the law to suit their lifestyles and taught others to do the same (Matthew 15:1-7). They were not really following the commandments of God but the teachings of men that twisted God's commandments to their liking. 

Furthermore, although they knew the law and could recite it from beginning to end and backward again, their hearts were far from God (Isaiah 29:13, Matthew 15:8). Jesus is saying that we need to go beyond just knowing the law and judging others based on it but we have to observe the law in our hearts, that's where it is most important and where our righteousness can begin to blossom. God looks at our hearts (1 Samuel 16:7).

Brothers and sisters continue to study the word and applying the word of God to your lives.

God bless you!