Listen

“You have heard that it was said to those who lived long ago, Don’t commit murder, and all who commit murder will be in danger of judgment. But I say to you that everyone who is angry with their brother or sister will be in danger of judgment. If they say to their brother or sister, ‘You idiot,’ they will be in danger of being condemned by the governing council. And if they say, ‘You fool,’ they will be in danger of fiery hell. Therefore, if you bring your gift to the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift at the altar and go. First make things right with your brother or sister and then come back and offer your gift.”

Matthew 5:21-24

Think

We often make the mistake of thinking that Jesus came to relieve us of the burden of the law. And while it’s true that Jesus simplifies the law, breaking it into the two greatest commandments, he also ups the ante: the Levitical codes tell us not to murder, but Jesus says don’t hate; the law forbids adultery, but Jesus says don’t objectify others in your mind; the law instructs us to keep our oaths, but Jesus says that every word we say should have the same weight of a sacred promise.

Jesus is making a point: our intentions matter. True worship begins with our posture towards God and others; keeping every jot and tittle of the Torah is of little use if we’re not able to treat each other with respect and love. God does not accept gifts as substitutes for obedience to the law of love. May we align ourselves with God’s law in our hearts first, letting our outward behavior reflect our inner transformation.

Holle Tubbs

Pray

God, align my heart, thoughts, speech, and actions with yours.

Lead me from the temptation of settling for performative piety, and give me the courage to hold a faith that transforms me from the inside out.

Amen.

Go

… A legal expert tested him.  “Teacher, what is the greatest commandment in the Law?”

He replied, “You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your being, and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: You must love your neighbor as you love yourself. All the Law and the Prophets depend on these two commands.”

Matthew 22:35b-40

Go forth in love.