Matthew 5:43-44
Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
Years ago I preached a Sunday morning message on gossiping. After the morning service my family and I went home for dinner. While my wife was cooking in the kitchen the telephone rang. I heard her answer it and then I heard these words, "Hold on, I'll get him for you". When I walked into the kitchen she handed me the phone with a smile. I took the phone and said, "Hello". Then a stern voice on the other end said, "Brother Steve, this is Sister..." I knew the gloves were off, hahaha.
This older and absolute Godly woman had a bone to pick with me about the message that was preached. She said to me, "I want you to know something. I felt as if you were pointing at me this morning. You stared at me the whole time. Brother Steve, I don't gossip! And another thing... I don't lie! If it was a lie when I told it I didn't know it, that was just the way I heard it". At this time I had to put the phone down to my side because I was laughing out loud and I didn't want her to hear me. My wife was looking at me like I was crazy. I said, "You're not gonna believe what she just said".
Isn't it funny how truth has a way of coming out. By the time the conversation was over she was confessing to me that she had a problem talking about things too much on the phone to others. She said, "You know what brother? That message was probably just what I needed". I thank the Lord often for that woman of God. I'm so glad the Lord allowed us to worship together. My prayer is that maybe she is up there in Heaven today talking to the Lord about me. Hahahaha.
In our scripture this morning Jesus is addressing things that have been said out of context. He says, "You've heard it been said..." Start today! Right now! Tell people just the Holy Words of God. Don't add anything to it. Don't repeat things you've heard spoken or quoted in church. Give them the pure, unadulterated Words of Jesus. See those religious leaders added hating the enemies but if you will read the Word you will never find that. When people ask you the message don't say, "I heard it somewhere". Tell them the facts!
