Scripture Reference: Matthew 5:38-48
The greatest threat to the Good Life is the interruption of wholeness by those who hate us. If we can’t figure out what to do about our enemies, how can we ever be truly blessed? Jesus’ teaching is powerfully radical on this score.
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Scripture Reference: Matthew 5:31-32
No vision of the Good Life is complete without some emphasis on protecting married individuals from the pervasive, erosive effects of their OWN sin. So Jesus lays down a dramatic vision for the permanence of marriage AND hope of relief to the suffering.
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Scripture Reference: Matthew 5:27-30
Jesus’ warnings against lust go way beyond external explanations for our sexual behavior. Searchingly, he encourages us to go into the very depth of our motivational centers to uncover the heart of lust. (Adult themed content!)
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Scripture Reference: Matthew 5:21-26
Jesus begins his catechism of the Good Life by zeroing in on the most destructive force to human flourishing: our hatred for each other. His teaching lays us bare for what is really motivating our anger and how to heal it as well.
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Scripture Reference: Matthew 5:17-20
Jesus is ready to launch into his description of the inner life of his followers, but first clarifies his relationship to the reigning source of truth of his day, the Old Testament Law. But Jesus is not an innovator, but a fulfiller.
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