When we find rules too hard to follow - we sometimes modify the game to make it easier. The Scribes and Pharisees were doing the same thing to God’s law. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus sets the record straight for his disciples.  

The sixth commandment tells us not to murder. But Jesus says it’s also about the anger in your heart. The Law is not just a check on our behavior. But it also orders our mind and speech. That is why in worship we confess that we have sinned against God in “thought, word and deed.”

The religious teachers had narrowly defined who is worthy of love, dignity and respect. And we do the same thing today. It may not be religious or ethnic boundaries - but we all have ways of drawing lines around who is worthy of our time, attention, and love. 

But in God’s kingdom - love is not reserved for only those we like. God wants us to love even our enemies. 

He wants us to live in peace and reconciliation with others. He wants you to take the first step to repair the broken relationship. He wants you to apologize to the person you wronged. He wants you to seek their physical well-being and pray for them.

When we pray for your enemies it changes our own hearts and helps us to become like Jesus. By the Holy Spirit, God will help you see them as He sees them. As we follow Jesus and seek to love and pray for our enemies - we reflect God’s heart to the world. 

Taking it Home: Which neighbor, co-worker, or family member can you seek reconciliation with for a past wrong? Who is a difficult person in your life who you can pray for this week?