SATURDAY- FIRST WEEK OF LENT- YEAR-C

I Reading: Deuteronomy 26:16-19: You will be a people consecrated to the Lord.

Gospel: Matthew 5:43-48: Be perfect just as your heavenly Father is perfect.

The Real Meaning of Human Relationships

No subject is more important than the subject of human relationships. God is creating a family of believers who are to live together eternally. Therefore, He wants that family to live together as a family, loving each other and loving their neighbours as they should. God’s family must never allow hate to enter their hearts. God’s family is to treat no person as an enemy. Every person is to be loved as a true neighbour.

1.    The law (v.43): The law said, “Love your neighbours as yourself” (Lev. 19:18; Gal 5:22-23).

2.    The real meaning (v.44)

a.    Love your enemies

b.    Pray for persecutors

3.    The incentive (v.45-47)

a.    Makes you a child of God

b.    Makes you like God

c.     Makes you distinctive from other people

4.    The charge: Be perfect (v.48)

Thought: God is love, perfect love (1Jn 4:8, 16). He loves all; therefore, He wants a world of love from creatures who will freely choose to love. He challenges everyone to be like Himself: to love all, even his/her enemies.

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