[Jesus continued:] “When you pray, don’t babble on and on as the Gentiles do. They think their prayers are answered merely by repeating their words again and again. Don’t be like them, for your Father knows exactly what you need even before you ask him!” —Matthew 6:7-8 NLT Key Thought The Stoic philosopher Seneca made …
[Jesus continued:] “When you pray, don’t be like the hypocrites who love to pray publicly on street corners and in the synagogues where everyone can see them. I tell you the truth, that is all the reward they will ever get. But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and …
[Jesus continued:] “When you give to someone in need, don’t do as the hypocrites do — blowing trumpets in the synagogues and streets to call attention to their acts of charity! I tell you the truth, they have received all the reward they will ever get. But when you give to someone in need, don’t …
[Jesus continued:] “Watch out! Don’t do your good deeds publicly, to be admired by others, for you will lose the reward from your Father in heaven.” —Matthew 6:1 NLT Key Thought Jesus has been challenging us to a greater righteousness as expressed in our relationship with other people. He is now going to remind us …
[Jesus continued:] “If you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that? Even corrupt tax collectors do that much. If you are kind only to your friends, how are you different from anyone else? Even pagans do that. But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is …
[Jesus continued:] “You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy. But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, …
[Jesus continued:] “Give to those who ask, and don’t turn away from those who want to borrow.” —Matthew 5:42 NLT Key Thought In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus challenges us to a way of life that does not reflect conventional thinking. These radical challenges should not be read legalistically. At the same time, we …
[Jesus continued:] “If a soldier demands that you carry his gear for a mile, carry it two miles.” —Matthew 5:41 NLT Key Thought A bitter-hearted rebel lives in many of us. We hate it when someone takes advantage of us. We view the lane-changing, frenzied, aggressive driver as a jerk and sometimes look to get …
[Jesus continued:] “If you are sued in court and your shirt is taken from you, give your coat, too.” —Matthew 5:40 NLT Key Thought We have basic rights — at least that’s the assumption many of us operate under as human beings. We get very angry when those basic rights are compromised. Jesus, however, is …
[Jesus continued:] “You have heard the law that says the punishment must match the injury: ‘An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say, do not resist an evil person! If someone slaps you on the right cheek, offer the other cheek also.” —Matthew 5:38-39 NLT Key Thought Jesus’ words …