Love for One Another - The Godly Man Series

Six Test Cases of Genuine Love

Matthew 5:22-44


Let's follow 6 test cases that Jesus has outlined for us in the Sermon on the Mount from Matthew 5. Remember each of the wrong perspectives were so manipulated that the so-called spiritual people preserved their own self desires (self–love).

Wrong perspectives
Jesus' perspective
Comments

"You have heard that the ancients were told, 'YOU SHALL NOT COMMIT MURDER' and 'Whoever commits murder shall be liable to the court.' (Matthew 5:21).

"But I say to you..."

No murder; no anger
Matthew 5:22

Murder is wrong, but so is anger and rage against people. The law doesnÕt say, ÒThou shalt not get angry,Ó because the law was a judicial law which needed clear evidence. However, if we love our neighbor, we shall not get angry or breed spite, hate or arrogance.
"You have heard that it was said, 'YOU SHALL NOT COMMIT ADULTERY'; (Matthew 5:27).

"But I say to you..."

No adultery; no lust
Matthew 5:28

 The Law marker is adultery. But if you are loving, you will not only not commit adultery, but you will not lust after another. It shocks me how many Christians consider anger and lust normal for the Christian.
"And it was said, 'WHOEVER SENDS HIS WIFE AWAY, LET HIM GIVE HER A CERTIFICATE OF DIVORCE'; (Matthew 5:31).

"But I say to you..."

No divorce, only if adultery.
Matthew 5:32

 We use divorce to carry out our lusts. Sure the law permits it in a very limited situation, but does God encourage it? Do we really love our mates or are we looking for excuses to run according to the lusts of our hearts?
"Again, you have heard that the ancients were told, 'YOU SHALL NOT MAKE FALSE VOWS, BUT SHALL FULFILL YOUR VOWS TO THE LORD.' (Matthew 5:33).

"But I say to you..."

No false vows; no lack of integrity

Matthew 5:34

 Breaking oaths and vows is a clear violation of not loving our neighbor. Our country has recently decided to hold to different standards for rich and poor. If we are loving, however, we will honor our words. Our words will reveal the true intention of our hearts.
"You have heard that it was said, 'AN EYE FOR AN EYE, AND A TOOTH FOR A TOOTH.' (Matthew 5:38).

"But I say to you..."

No vengeance; no defending of your own rights.
Matthew 5:39

 If we love, we will not carry out our own vengeance. We will not be insisting on our rights but our opportunities to forgive.
"You have heard that it was said, 'YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR, and hate your enemy.'
(Matthew 5:43).

"But I say to you..."

No hating your enemy; no willingness to despise anyone.
Matthew 5:44

 We are not only not to hate our enemies but to love them. Love goes beyond the issues that might trouble you and stands in the fear of God. Avoidance is insufficient. We must be good and kind.

Conclusion
In Matthew 5:48, Jesus reemphasizes His focus,

"Therefore you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect."

Perfection is not

  • thinking you are obeying but really obeying.
  • trying to obey but succeeding in obedience.
  • avoiding the 'big' sins but actually loving others.
    • Perfection includes all those loving displays of action toward both friend and foe alike always fulfilling the law and always going far beyond it both in heart and attitude. Next >