Scripture: Matthew 5: 31-44
Divorce
31 “It has been said, ‘Anyone who divorces his wife must give her a certificate of divorce.’[f] 32 But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, makes her the victim of adultery, and anyone who marries a divorced woman commits adultery.
Oaths
33 “Again, you have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘Do not break your oath, but fulfill to the Lord the vows you have made.’ 34 But I tell you, do not swear an oath at all: either by heaven, for it is God’s throne; 35 or by the earth, for it is his footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the Great King. 36 And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make even one hair white or black. 37 All you need to say is simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.[g]
Eye for Eye
38 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’[h] 39 But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. 40 And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. 41 If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. 42 Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.
Love for Enemies
43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor[i] and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,
Scripture Commentary:
God intends that marriage be a lifetime commitment. In Matthew 5: 31-32, Jesus attacks those who purposefully abuse the marriage contract. We are not to use divorce to fulfill a lustful desire to marry someone else. Jesus said that divorce is not permissible, except for unfaithfulness. Keeping oaths and promises is important. It builds trust and makes committed human relationships.
In Matthew 5: 38-42, God provides an expression of mercy. “Make the punishment fit the crime” is not a guide for personal revenge. According to Jesus, it is more important to give justice and mercy than to receive it.
Read the Entire Chapter of the Scripture Referenced:
Read the last three weeks of commentary on Matthew Chapter 5:
Jesus Didn’t Come to Undo the Law. He Fulfills It.
Let God Guide Your Moral Compass
We are All Subject to Judgment
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