Irrational Living
Matthew 5:38-48
1. React with Surprising Generosity (Matthew 5:38-42)
38 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’[h] 39 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. 40 And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. 41 If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. 42 Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.
But even if we have rights, Salt and Light Followers of Jesus are encouraged to react counter culturally by voluntarily giving up their rights in order to be used by God most effectively.
2. Retaliate with Unexpected Kindness (Matthew 5:43-47)
43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor[i] and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47 And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that?
Lessons to Learn for Transformative Living
• Revenge is never as satisfying as it looks.
• Revenge is normally more damaging to the one seeking revenge than the recipient.
• Revenge cancels an open window opportunity to make a statement about our loving and forgiving Heavenly Father.
• Revenge Blocks our Light and dissolves our Salt.
God expects us to not only surrender our rights but to retaliate with radical grace which will seem to unbelievers as irrational.
3. Live with God as Model (Matthew 5:48)
48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
• Realize we are all sinners (Romans 3:23)
• Sin has separated us from God (Romans 6:23)
• Accept God’s Forgiveness (Romans 5:8)
• Trust in Jesus for your Life and Future (Romans 10:9, 13)
• Grow into the person God desires for you (Ephesians 4:15)
We should not live our lives trying to be better than others, but live comparing our lives to The Father and His son Jesus.
Bridgepoint Church is located in Decatur, GA, and we gather for worship in person and online at 10:45am. We would be honored to have you as our guest. Childcare is available too!
If you are listening today and need prayer, please send us a message in the comments or email prayer@bridgepointtoco.com. We would be honored with the opportunity to pray for you.
Jesus loves you! He willingly offered His life as a sacrifice and ransom for mankind. His victory over sin at the cross and over death is why we call Him Lord of lords and King of kings. We worship him as the Word who became flesh and dwelt among us. God still wants to dwell with His people, and that includes you! If you want more information on what salvation means, please send a message or email us.
