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Prayer Tip--Better Together

October 6, 2024
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Daily Scripture

Matthew 5:13, 5:22, 5:44, 6:33, 7:3 (CEB), 7:12 (NIV)

Then Jesus said to them…

You are the salt of the earth. But if salt loses its saltiness, how will it become salty again? It’s good for nothing except to be thrown away and trampled under people’s feet.

Everyone who is angry with their brother or sister will be in danger of judgment. If they say to their brother or sister, ‘You idiot,’ they will be in danger of being condemned by the governing council. And if they say, ‘You fool,’ they will be in danger of fiery hell.

Love your enemies and pray for those who harass you.

Desire first and foremost God’s kingdom and God’s righteousness.

Why do you see the splinter that’s in your brother’s or sister’s eye, but don’t notice the log in your own eye?

Do unto others as you would have them do unto you; this is the Law and the Prophets.

Daily Reflection & Prayer

Political tensions tend to rise during election seasons, but lately, they’ve reached levels many of us haven’t seen before. As Christians, we’re called to respond differently. How can we avoid adding to the division and hostility we see rising across the country and even in our communities?

This week, we begin a sermon series titled “Do Unto Others.” We’ll explore how Jesus’ teachings, particularly from the Sermon on the Mount, can guide us through this tense election cycle. It’s already been challenging, but instead of contributing to the anger, Jesus calls us to live in a way that stands out—not for our sake, but to reflect God’s kingdom here on earth.

In Matthew 5:13, Jesus says, “You are the salt of the earth.” Salt is simple, but its impact is remarkable. It preserves, enhances flavor, and brings life to what would otherwise be bland. Jesus calls us to be that kind of influence in the world—to live lives that add flavor, hope, and goodness to our communities. Here’s the challenge: Jesus also says that we become ineffective if we lose our saltiness. What good is a Christian who blends into the world rather than living out Christ’s radical call to love and serve? So, how are you being salt in your family, your workplace, or your community? What are you doing to preserve what is good and right, to bring the flavor of God’s kingdom into the world?

In Matthew 5:22, Jesus gives us another tough teaching: “Everyone who is angry with their brother or sister will be in danger of judgment.” We’ve all been there—our anger gets the best of us, and before we know it, we’ve said something we regret. Jesus is telling us to be mindful of our anger and our words. Our relationships are too important to be damaged by thoughtless comments or unchecked frustration. This verse challenges us to pause and reflect on how we respond to others, especially when tensions are high.

Then comes perhaps the most difficult teaching of all. “Love your enemies and pray for those who harass you” (Matthew 5:44). Think about that for a moment. Love not just those who love you, but those who oppose you, criticize you, or even seek to harm you. Jesus isn’t asking us to condone harmful behavior, but to respond with love instead of hate. And that starts with prayer. When we pray for someone, our hearts soften, and we begin to see them as God sees them. Who in your life is hard to love right now? Could you start by praying for them?

In Matthew 6:33, Jesus gives us a clear direction: “Seek first God’s kingdom and God’s righteousness.” It’s easy to get caught up in the demands of life—work, finances, family pressures. But Jesus calls us to shift our priorities. Instead of chasing after the things of this world, He invites us to seek God’s kingdom first. What would it look like if, in every decision you make, you asked, “Is this reflecting God’s kingdom values?” Are you prioritizing love, mercy, justice, and humility?

Finally, in Matthew 7:3, Jesus reminds us that we often see the faults in others much more clearly than we see our own: “Why do you see the splinter in your brother’s or sister’s eye, but don’t notice the log in your own eye?” We’re quick to criticize others, but slow to examine ourselves. Jesus calls us to humility, to self-reflection. Before we judge others, let’s take a good look at our own hearts. What “logs” do you need to address in your life?

Which brings us to the golden rule in Matthew 7:12“Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” This sums up everything Jesus teaches—if we would just live by this one principle, imagine how our relationships, our communities, and our world would change.

Prayer Tip

When you’re praying for others—especially those who have hurt you—start by asking God to give you compassion for them. Ask God to help you see them through His eyes, as people loved by Him, even if they’ve wronged you. You don’t have to feel loving right away, but through prayer, God can soften your heart and change how you see those who are difficult to love.

Prayer

Loving God,
I come before You today, grateful for the challenge and comfort of Your word. You call me to be salt in the world, adding flavor and preserving what is good. Help me not to lose my saltiness but to live in ways that reflect Your love and grace.

Forgive me for the times when anger has gotten the best of me, when my words have hurt others. Help me, Lord, to pause, reflect, and offer grace instead. And where anger lingers, teach me to pray for those who have wronged me, that my heart might be softened and my relationships restored.

Guide me to seek first Your kingdom, Lord. When I am tempted to chase after things that don’t last, remind me of what truly matters—Your love, justice, and righteousness. And help me to see myself clearly, not pointing out the faults of others without first addressing what needs to change in my own heart.

Finally, Lord, help me to live by Your golden rule—to do unto others as I would have them do unto me. Let this simple truth guide my every word, action, and thought, so that I may reflect Your kingdom here on earth. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

GPS Insights

Picture of Max Franks

Max Franks

Max Franks serves as a Connection & Care Pastor at Resurrection's Leawood location.

© 2024 Resurrection: A United Methodist Church. All Rights Reserved.
Scripture quotations are taken from The Common English Bible ©2011. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
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