“Personal insult will be the saint’s occasion for revealing the incredible sweetness of the Lord Jesus.” -Oswald Chambers

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you." -Matthew 5:38-42

Reflection Questions:

1. What is the most loving response in this situation?

2. Have you fully surrendered to receiving the love of a perfect heavenly Father? Do you need receive a fresh outpouring of God’s love today?

3. What is it you need to surrender that is hindering you from walking in the freedom and power of love for God, yourself and others – especially your enemies?

4. How is the Spirit of God in you prompting a creative, loving response to your enemy?

Jesus’ teaching elevates the sanctity of love, sex and marriage for men and women alike.

Matthew 5:27-32

Lust is a heart problem that requires heart solutions, which can only be found through our continual surrender to the Lordship of Jesus Christ.

“As long as lust is present, love cannot be. Lust is about consumption. Love is about communion. Lust is about taking. Love is about giving. Lust uses. Love honors. Lust diminishes the other. Love cherishes the other.” - Rich Villodas, The Narrow Path

“...God invented the first divorce recovery program. It's at a place called Calvary. The price for the course is one bloodstained cross–and Jesus paid it. He was the first to go through the program, and it's still in session...” John Ortberg, Insurmountable

“Haven’t you read that at the beginning the Creator ‘made them male and female,’ and said, ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh’? So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.” -Matthew 19:4-6

Jesus’ vision for love, sex and marriage is a narrow road, but it is holy, beautiful, and better than anything this world has to offer.

For Pharisees, the fulfillment of the law was about following the rules. For Jesus, the fulfillment of the law was about following him.

“Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift." -Matthew 5:23-24