Matthew 5:39-44

Come on, we can hold up someone better than this as a hero! Rubel Shelly takes a high profile piece in the news and reminds all who the real heroes are among us.

Is revenge really so satisfying? Is it better to live with the philosophy of eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth or to practice forgiveness and kindness?

Can you imagine what would happen if we really obeyed Jesus? Jesus commanded us to act in certain ways toward others, especially when people mistreat us; what would happen if we really did obey him?

"[Jesus continued:] "You have heard the law that says, 'Love your neighbor' and hate your enemy. But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who..."

"[Jesus said,] "You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute..."

Inspirational illustration of Matthew 5:43-45 -- [Jesus said,] "You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heav

"[Jesus continued:] "Give to those who ask, and don't turn away from those who want to borrow.""

"[Jesus continued:] "If you are sued in court and your shirt is taken from you, give your coat, too.""

"But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also."

""Love thy neighbour." Perhaps he rolls in riches, and thou art poor, and living in thy little cot side-by-side with his lordly mansion; thou seest..."

"[Jesus continued:] "If a soldier demands that you carry his gear for a mile, carry it two miles.""

As children of our Father, we are called to live up to the God standard! Phillip Morrison reminds us that we are saved by grace and God expects us to be gracious.

Does it really do you any good to get what you want in this circumstance? Rubel Shelly reminds us that revenge is never sweet because it diminishes us.

"Dear Precious One, Today's message is very important because many in your religious world turn grace into an excuse to do whatever they want rather....."

"But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and..."

"But I say to you, love your enemies. Pray for those who hurt you. If you do this, you will be true children of your Father in heaven. He causes the...."

"[Jesus continued:] "You have heard the law that says the punishment must match the injury: 'An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.' But I say, do..."

What are we to do with such great human need and such great risk? Phillip Morrison is back as our conscience asking us about how we sort through the refugee crisis in Syria and what are we going to do about it.

How can being generous grow our spirits? The spiritual discipline of generosity is crucial if we are going to grow in the spirit.

God's high standards are certainly upside down to how we often feel and how the world usually functions. Demetrius Collins and Phil Ware lead us in an online, DIY, worship through words and music using YouTube videos to open our hearts to the power of the Holy Spirit to love our neighbor and not bear grudges and seek revenge.

Want to know what is missing in this great story of freedom? Rubel Shelly reminds us that behind the great 42 of Jackie Robinson was a heart of faith and willingness to honor Jesus in the way he dealt with injustice, hatred, and prejudice.

Are you really sure you can get even? For many people "getting even" is what they're interested in and they won't be satisfied until it's done. They don't want someone to escape justice. Unfortunately, they fail to realize that never happens on this side of heaven's judgement.

Prayer changes something much more important than our circumstances! Phil Ware continues his series on building a culture of honor focusing this week on prayer, especially prayer as a redemptive tool of offering forgiveness and blessing to those who are our enemies and who mistreat us.