It took a year to read the Bible, then almost 9 months to read the Apocrypha. Now, I'm going to try to offer reflections on the Narrative Lectionary. But, I won't be posting daily--at least, for a while.

Monday, February 14, 2011

Hard Teachings, a Reflection on Matthew 5:38-42

Jesus continues his teachings that are stricter than the law.

The law of "eye for eye" was intended to limit violence and revenge. But Jesus goes further than that. He says that if someone hits you, don't just hit them no harder than they did, but, instead, he says to let them hit you again. He adds that if somebody sues you, then give them even more than they asked for.

Then he makes this pronouncement, "Give to everyone who begs from you, and do not refuse anyone who wants to borrow from you."

Being a Christian would be really hard if we actually tried it.

For some indications of how Methodists are trying to be Christian, check out UM News Service.

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