Day 3: Love practically, sincerely, realistically
“You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ But I [Jesus] tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘Raca,’ is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell (Matthew 5:21-22).
Our Father in heaven, the all-wise God who said—I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with My loving eye on you (Psalm 32:8)—You have given us Your command, Love your neighbor as yourself (Leviticus 19:18, Matthew 22:39).
In the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) our Lord Jesus explained how to love practically, sincerely, and realistically—with an attitude of heart that goes beyond the technicalities of the Law. For it is possible for the heart to be full of the root causes of murder even as we demonstrate outward obedience and mechanical observance of the Law.
Father, search our hearts, for our Lord taught us that the mouth speaks what the heart is full of (Luke 6:45). Too often and too quickly—in pride—we assume the right to judge and to condemn—a right that is only the place of God. Too often, and too quickly, anger spills out of our hearts and criticisms, barbs, and derogatory comments rise freely to our lips.
Yet, it is not enough for us to simply "say the right thing"—You require obedience from our hearts. You call us to a radical, extraordinary, standard—modeled after Your own pure, all-encompassing, sacrificial love. Teach us, Lord to love like You. Fill us with Your Spirit, who pours Your love into our hearts (Romans 5:5). Help us to clothe ourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience (Colossians 3:12).
Keep us from the worthless religion of an unbridled tongue (James 1:26). Replace our hasty "Raca!", our ready "You fool!"— our careless contemptuous, derogatory dismissals— with the language of love, the language of grace. Remind us of the sobering warning that we will ultimately be accountable to You for every careless, [idle, empty] word we speak (Matthew 12:36).
Teach us to pray like the psalmist, Set a guard over my mouth, Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips (Psalm 141:3). And teach us to be mindful of the wisdom from Your word, Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it (Proverbs 4:23).
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