Matthew 5:37-39

"[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..."

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.

"Simply let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' 'No'; anything beyond this comes from the evil one."

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

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.

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.

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?

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.

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?

"[Jesus continued:] " But I say, do not make any vows! ... And do not say, 'By the earth!' because the earth is [God's] footstool. And do not say, 'By...."

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....."

Looking to put the spin on something, then learn from this! Paul Faulkner reminds us of the awesome power of words and our human ability to use them to distort the truth and anger God.

Are you as good as your word? Say what you mean and then do what you say. Those around you will come to trust you when your actions are the same as your words.

Does truth matter to us much these days? Rubel Shelly addresses the issues of honesty and integrity and the importance of telling the truth and the sin against each other and ourselves when we lie and do not tell the truth.

Where are you stuck? We will never make it trying to live in the middle: it is the place of collisions and disasters.

What do you have to hide? Phil Ware shares his father's values in a letter to his children Zachary and Megan