GPS-An Eye for an Eye

11 / Sunday Read Leviticus 24:19-20 / Matthew 5:38-48

Overview: The title is biblical, but was meant to limit retaliation – i.e., only an eye for an eye. But Jesus says no retaliation. Love your enemies just as God loves all, with unrelenting compassion and undeserving grace.

12 / Mon – Truth  |  Read John 8:31-32

Here are some things to consider about truth. First, the truth is true. Second, lies are not true. Third, half-truths are lies with enough truth mixed in so the undiscerning are fooled into believing them. Fourth, God cannot lie. Fifth, lies are the devil’s native language. Sixth, half-truths are more difficult to spot than outright lies. That’s why they are so dangerous. What are some half-truths you have accepted? What hope does Jesus offer in these verses? What is the basis for this freedom?

13 / Tue – Examine your thoughts  |  Read Phil 4:8-9 / 2 Cor 10:5 / John 16:12-15

Do you ever think about what you are thinking about? Too often, thoughts fly into our minds and settle in unchallenged. It is wise to examine what occupies your mind and the effect it has on your life. What you believe determines your words and actions. In Philippians, Paul gives us criteria by which to evaluate our thoughts. What did he tell the Christians in Corinth to do with the lies and half-truths they discovered?  Will you ask the Holy Spirit to help you guard your mind?

14 / Wed – Old Testament law  |  Read Matt 5:17

Some Christians today believe the Old Testament laws are irrelevant. Jesus did not think so. In the Sermon on the Mount, he expanded their understanding of God’s laws by using these two phrases: “you have heard it said___ but I tell you___.” Why you do something is just as important as what you do. Some people become legalistic. They keep the law but miss God’s purpose. The results are judgmental attitudes that miss the heart of God, and there is no mercy for those they judge. Is that a temptation you face? Will you instead ask the Lord to help you see things from His perspective?

15 / Thu – The Perfect 10  |  Read Exodus 20:1-17

God was very specific when He gave the 10 commandments. The first three speak about how we treat Him, the fourth is God’s gift to us, and the following six govern how we should treat others. Although these words may be familiar to you, take a few minutes to examine each one more closely. What might be an underlying reason for that commandment? What is the result if obeyed? When broken, what are the consequences? Ask yourself how you can better follow God’s ways.

16 / Fri – Anger  |  Read Psalm 145:8 / Eph 4:26-27 / James 1:19-20 / James 4:7

Do you get angry and do or say things you later regret? Did you know that God gets angry, too? Anger is an emotion, not a sin. We get angry when someone hurts us or infringes on our ‘rights,’ whereas God gets angry about injustice. We are quick to react, but God is slow to anger. He is patient, giving the offender a chance to repent. What does James advise us to do in v19? What are the warnings given in Eph v27 and James v20? If anger is a problem for you, ask the Lord to help you to be more like Him.

17 / Sat – Enemies  |  Read Luke 6:27:28 / Rom 12:14 / Eph 4:32

One counter-cultural truth Jesus taught was how to treat enemies. Read these verses. Make a list of what God wants you to do regarding those who mistreat you. How can you overcome the evil intentions of the devil as he works through those he uses against you? Make a list of your enemies. Start by forgiving them, remembering every person fights battles you cannot see. Hurting people hurt others. Then start on your action list. With God’s help, you can stop the cycle and bring God’s peace to others.