Passage of the Day:
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor[i] and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47 And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that?” – Matthew 5:43-47
Reflection:
There are moments in a good sermon where a congregation is challenged to take their commitment of faith to a higher level. If Christians aren’t forced to leave their spiritual comfort zones, faith will become stagnant, eventually resulting in idleness. As Jesus transitions from how to apply the Ten Commandments in modern times toward pure and impure motives, He leaves those attending the Sermon on the Mount with a shocking statement. On the surface, this is call to action is impossible to achieve on your own. Yet, upon further review, Jesus is merely calling followers to do their very best daily.
Prayerful Action:
Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect, Matthew 5:48.
Learning to Love this December as God Forgives You:
As you finish your final preparations for Christmas day, most adults will be exhausted, seeking to create a memorable experience for your family. Yet, seeking perfection as a human being often results in disappointment. Therefore, don’t beat yourself up when human nature gets the best of you. In your failures to love others this Christmas season, let Jesus become strong, 2 Corinthians 12:7-10. The more you lean on the Lord, Christ’s love will shine, rising above your own weaknesses.
Song of the Day:
Final Thoughts:
As you prepare to worship the birth of Christ, sometimes you need to go back to the basics of faith. May the lyrics of Back to the Start prevent you forgetting your new identity in Christ Jesus. As Jesus becomes more in your life and you become less, loving to a higher standard can become a reality through the power of the Holy Spirit.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 