Walking the Walk of a Citizen of Heaven - Mark McCarty #youversion notes

Jesus said in these chapters that righteousness of your life should be inward as well as outward. The reason why God takes how you treat others so seriously is that you are made in the image of God.

"Whoever sheds human blood,
by humans shall their blood be shed;
for in the image of God
has God made mankind. (Genesis 9:6 NIV)

Jesus was making the point that God judges correctly. Your intent, thoughts and words will be judged as well as your actions. God is not like us. He knows everything about us. Everything...

Let that sink in one minute.

The scriptures are crystal clear on the subject.

Anyone who hates a brother or sister is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life residing in him. (1 John 3:15 NIV)

Jesus said that how you treat others is more important than sacrifices. Specifically He said "...if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift. (Matthew 5:23, 24 NIV)

Jesus says the matter of reconciliation and forgiveness is urgent. It is more urgent than anything else. It grieves the Holy Spirit when we are at odds with others.

Jesus can take a heart full of bitterness, unforgiveness and spite and make it right. Jesus even tells us step by step how to go about it.

But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, (Matthew 5:44 NIV)

All we have to do is obey.

Created 9 months ago