Cause to Sin

‘You have heard that it was said, “You shall not commit adultery.” But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away; it is better for you to lose one of your members than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away; it is better for you to lose one of your members than for your whole body to go into hell. ‘It was also said, “Whoever divorces his wife, let him give her a certificate of divorce.” But I say to you that anyone who divorces his wife, except on the ground of unchastity, causes her to commit adultery; and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery. ‘Again, you have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, “You shall not swear falsely, but carry out the vows you have made to the Lord.” But I say to you, Do not swear at all, either by heaven, for it is the throne of God, or by the earth, for it is his footstool, or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make one hair white or black. Let your word be “Yes, Yes” or “No, No”; anything more than this comes from the evil one. Matthew 5:27-37

Being human means falling into sin. We are, all of us, selfish, self-righteous, and flawed. We Christians can get to judging others and fail to see our own flaws and sins. Mattthew writes to the religious leaders of his time, sharing Jesus' words to be humble and contrite at all times. We humans can sometimes think that we know the truth and others are stupidly flawed. Yet, this behavior is exactly where Jesus calls us out. Love and forgiveness have been freely given, and we are to always move from power to service, from hubris to humility, and from judgement to self-examination. 

Loving Creator, your beauty surrounds us

the seasons turn and the world is so small

you gave us neighbors and teachers

and family to teach us how to live together.

We are often bent on destroying your goodness

we stamp out your beauty and pollute your rivers

we carelessly build castles in the shifting sand

and cry to you when our foolish plans ultimately fail.

Help us to daily repent of our sin and live humbly

let us rededicate our lives to your love and service

give us your grace so we might know our flaws

and give thanks eternally for your forgiving love. Amen.