Although we can still fall, our sins do not have to separate us from God: we can accept forgiveness and be reconciled to him. If we strive to keep God’s commandments, we can call upon the Holy Spirit to pour His power upon us. This is the kingdom that Jesus ushered us into, and we are blessed to be invited to enter it. What does life mean for us to live according to the Word on the Mount? It means not only that we should not commit adultery but also that when we lose the battle with lustful thoughts, we can repent and receive forgiveness and strength from the Lord.
Many Jewish religious leaders believed that Jesus was rejecting the Law of Moses. They accused him of healing on the Sabbath and not following the prescribed hand-washing rituals. However, in the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus speaks about the true meaning of the law. It is not just an outward compliance but an inward transformation of the heart. And Jesus showed this not only with his teaching but also with his way of life. But Jesus did much more. He fulfilled God’s plan for our salvation through his death and resurrection. He freed us from sin and death and strengthened us with His grace to overcome temptation.
Not only are we not to murder, but in the struggle with anger and hateful thoughts, we can ask the Lord for mercy and help. Not only are we not to take revenge on those who have wronged us, but we can forgive and bless them with God’s grace. Jesus wants us to live as God intended when He gave His people the law. As you strive to live by this law of love, remember that Jesus has already prepared the way for you. He gave you the Holy Spirit so that you could go through the letter of the law to its essence – and thus change your heart. You can repent, accept forgiveness, and start over when you fail. You can do all this thanks to Jesus’ loving sacrifice. So praise the Lord today for everything he has done for you!
I did not come to abolish them, but to fulfill | Mt 5, 17.
