Title: The Heart of the Matter/Topic: Holiness

Today’s Reading: 1 Samuel 20; 1 Samuel 21; Psalm 34; Matthew 5

Scripture: Matthew 5:43-48
43 "You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' 44 But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be sons 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 brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

Observation/Application: In the entire Sermon on the Mount Jesus is expounding on what living a holy life really entails. He challenges the previously held notions of what that looks like in behavior and attitudes. Love isn't perfect until it is extended to your enemies as well as to your friends. Adultery starts with a lustful look at a woman who isn't your wife. Murder starts with an attitude of hate toward another. He condemns the attitudes that lead to sin as much as the sin itself. He gets to the heart of the problem of sin and tells us to deal with it there. We cannot excuse ourselves just because we don't act on the immoral attitude. Our thoughts must be holy if we are to be perfect as our heavenly Father is perfect.

Prayer: Your ways are perfect Lord, and I want to be perfect as you are. I know this is your desire for me as well. Empower me by the Spirit to discern my heart and to repent and correct my attitudes whenever and wherever necessary. I cannot do this without your Light shining in my life. I am blind without it. Help me to live and to love as you do.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.