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Ask God: The Radical love of Jesus calls for Christians to go the extra mile because Jesus went the extra mile for us (even when we were sinners).

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Good Evening Reader,

We are God's chosen people and His Royal Priesthood.

It is our privilege to enter into the Presence of God and enjoy His blessings.

I pray that God will be with you and strengthen you.

Give God the glory.

Elvin

The Radical Love of Jesus

In the heart of Jesus' teachings, Matthew 5:38-48 stands out as a powerful call to radical love. Here, Jesus challenges us to surpass the ordinary expectations of justice and retaliation.

Instead of responding to hurt with anger, He invites us to respond with compassion and grace. Imagine how transformative it would be if we embraced love, even towards those who wrong us!

Jesus encourages us to love our enemies and pray for those persecuting us. This isn't just a nice idea; it's a radical shift in how we see the world.

Living in a Way that Pleases God

Jesus encourages His disciples and all believers how to live to please God. These scriptures are part of Jesus' famous Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7). In this sermon, Jesus teaches His followers how to live in a way that pleases God. He explains that following God isn't just about obeying rules but having the right attitude in our hearts.

Verses 38 through 42 of chapter 5 of Matthew says, "You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.' But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. If anyone wants to sue you and take away your tunic, let him have your cloak also. And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two. Give to him who asks you, and from him who wants to borrow from you do not turn away."

To the followers of Jesus, this was a radical way of thinking and living. The people of Judea and Galilee lived under Roman rule, which was a contentious relationship at best. The Romans allowed the Jews to practice their religion as long as they did not threaten Roman rule. All minor uprising by the Jews was dealt with harshly.

The Practice of An Eye for an Eye

In Exodus 21:24 and Leviticus 24:20, the law allowed for fair punishment—what was done to someone could be done back. This law protected a person who had committed a minor offense from receiving much harsher treatment and aimed to ensure justice by limiting retaliation. This ancient principle was meant to prevent excessive punishment and promote fair compensation.

But Jesus goes one step further. He tells His followers not to seek revenge. Instead of fighting back, He tells them to respond with kindness and patience.

But what if we could rise above that? Instead of seeking retribution, we can embrace forgiveness and grace.

An example of imposing excessive punishment can be found in Genesis 34. The Hivite, Shechem, took Dinah, the daughter of Jacob, to lay with her and violated her.

Jacob's sons, Simeon and Levi, were furious when they heard this had happened. They plotted revenge. They agreed with Shechem's father, Prince Hamor, to be circumcised as a peace treaty and for the hand of Dinah.

While the Hivites were healing from the circumcision and were too weak to fight, Simeon and Levi raided their camp and killed them. Not only did they kill the Hivite males, but took all their possessions. Genesis 34:25-29 says:

" Now it came to pass on the third day, when they were in pain, that two of the sons of Jacob, Simeon and Levi, Dinah's brothers, each took his sword and came boldly upon the city and killed all the males. And they killed Hamor and Shechem his son, with the edge of the sword, and took Dinah from Shechem's house, and went out. The sons of Jacob came upon the slain, and plundered the city, because their sister had been defiled. They took their sheep, their oxen, and their donkeys, what was in the city and what was in the field, and all their wealth."

Years later, God addressed this type of unfair retaliation in the Law of Moses.

In the first century, Jesus encouraged His disciples and followers to go further. He teaches us that responding with love instead of anger breaks the cycle of hurt and revenge. By doing good, we reflect His love and mercy, showing we're not defined by others' actions.

This isn't just about being nice but transforming our hearts. We create space in our hearts for healing and understanding.

Love and forgive those who wrong us and pray for them

How can we genuinely love and forgive those who have wronged us while keeping our hearts open? It starts with understanding that everyone makes mistakes. When we choose to see their humanity, it helps us to let go of our anger.

We can pray for them, asking for healing and guidance, which shifts our focus from hurt to hope. Let's remember that forgiveness isn't about excusing their actions; it's about freeing ourselves from the weight of bitterness. The real loser is the person who harbors ill feelings in their heart.

Oftentimes, forgiveness takes time and is accomplished over time. Peter asked Jesus how many times he must forgive a person of their wrong. Jesus responded 7 times 70.

We can do this in small steps. Whenever you think of the hurt, whisper, "I forgive you." The hurt will decrease, and the burden on your heart will lighten. By embracing this radical love, we create space for healing—both for ourselves and those who've hurt us.

Go the Extra Mile

The Romans had a law that they could demand the Jews carry their gear for a mile. This law infuriated the Jews. Matthew 5:41 says, And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two."

Now, Jesus teaches us to go the extra mile. To the Jews, this was a radical concept.

Instead of grumbling or resisting, He said to embrace the moment as an opportunity to show love in action. What if we carry that gear for an extra mile? This simple act can turn frustration into a chance to express kindness.

By going above and beyond, we showcase the love of Jesus to those around us. It's not just about fulfilling a duty; it's about transforming a burdensome request into a chance to radiate grace.

It Rains on the Good as well as the Evil

While it might seem unfair that God sends rain to both the good and the evil, we can embrace this as an opportunity to reflect on His grace.

This act of kindness shows us that God's love isn't limited to those who deserve it. Instead of feeling resentment, we can choose to see it as a reminder to extend our love and compassion to everyone, regardless of their actions.

We are encouraged to share our blessings with others when we recognize that we all benefit from His gifts. Together, we can grow in understanding and love, reflecting the radical love of Jesus in our lives.

Be Perfect, even as your Father in Heaven is Perfect

Perfection is an overwhelming goal, but we're called to strive for it as followers of Christ.

When Jesus tells us to be perfect, it's not about never making mistakes. It's about aiming for a heart that reflects God's love and grace.

We're invited to embody kindness, compassion, and forgiveness in our daily lives. Each step toward this ideal helps us grow closer to God and each other.

The aim to perfection is a journey we accept as Christians. Rarely do Christians make it to perfection, which is understandable; it is the striving that helps keep our eyes on Jesus.

In Summary

As we strive for the calling to be perfect like our Heavenly Father, it's important to remember that this doesn't mean we've to be flawless.

Instead, it's about embracing radical love—love that welcomes everyone, forgives endlessly, and serves selflessly. Jesus showed us that perfection is improving what is in our hearts.

It's about reflecting His love in our lives, treating others with kindness, and spreading joy wherever we go. We're called to lift each other up, just as He lifted us.

Reflecting on Jesus' radical love, we realize it's not just about forgiveness but also about acting with kindness, even when it's tough. We're called to carry others' burdens and love them, just like God loves all of us. It's a challenge, but together, we can strive to be perfect in love, just as our Father in Heaven is.

Elvin

Enter into the Presence of God

Ask God For Help

Christian faith

Reader,

Hosea said his people were destroyed for lack of knowledge. Knowledge give believers and non-believers a choice. When a person does not know, they cannot choose.

Feel free to forward this lesson to your friends and family.

Grow in the knowledge of God.

Elvin

Send your comments to elvin.aycock@AskGodForHelp.net and let me know what you think of the lessons.

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