33 TRUTH AND LOVE F O O T ================================

• H O L D

READING

33 TRUTH AND LOVE

PRAY Speak to me clearly through your word today, Lord.

READ Matthew 5:33-48.

THINK Of all the teaching in this section, which is the hardest to put into practice? Why? —————————————————————- FOCUS KEEPING OATHS (33-37). The Old Testament demanded that people should carry out whatever they swore to do. But Jesus said that his followers must have one standard of truth for all occasions. They must do all they have said they will do. ‘Special promises’ and ‘sacred’ oaths to back up what they say, are out. RETALIATING (38-42). Most of us have some people who dislike us, people who treat us unfairly. Most of us would like to pay them back as they deserve. Or perhaps rather more than they deserve. The Old Testament contains a wise law. It says that when A is punished for doing wrong to B then the punishment should be FAIR. It should balance the wrong that has been done (38; Exodus 21:24), but should not exact a greater vengeance. Jesus says that there is an even better way. He says that his followers must not try to get their own back on people who wrong them. Verse 41 refers to the power Roman soldiers had to force Jews to do menial tasks. LOVING OTHERS (43-48). Jesus tells us to get rid of our enemies … by changing them into friends! Most of us have two ways of behaving. We are nice to some people: and not very nice to others. People – not the Old Testament – used to say you should love your friends and hate your enemies (43). Jesus tells his followers to imitate their heavenly Father. He has no favourites. He is good to everybody. —————————————————————- PRAY Ask God for help to love even those you find it difficult to get on with. Mention them by name. ==========