Going Against The Grain

Have you ever considered that Jesus' teachings seem to be the exact opposite of our "natural reactions"?  

Think about this:
When someone hurts us, we get angry!  Jesus tells us that our anger is just like murder (Matthew 5:21-26).

We see someone whom we find desirable and our thoughts are not pure, but we justify it by believing "they're just thoughts."  Jesus tells us that our thoughts are the beginning of sin (Matthew 5:27-30).

We have become a litigious society, ready to sue at the blink of an eye.  Jesus tells us we should make peace (Matthew 5:38-42).

We believe we should hate our enemies.  Jesus tells us to LOVE our enemies, not only that but we are to pray FOR them (Matthew 5:43-48)

Jesus has a habit of reminding us that our thoughts, words and actions are our deliberate decision, and, therefore, we must DECIDE to do good to others...just like we want others to do good for us.

Abba,
Thank You for Your Son and for the teachings He shared with us as a reminder of how we are to act toward each other.  Fill us with Your love to the point we cannot help but love each other!