Clean The Slate

^{Mt 5: 20-26}

^{Be Ready to Give}

²⁰ For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.

Murder

²¹ “You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ ²² But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘Raca,’ is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell.

²³ “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, ²⁴ leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.

²⁵ “Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court. Do it while you are still together on the way, or your adversary may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison. ²⁶ Truly I tell you, you will not get out until you have paid the last penny.

Jesus presents us with a "new age of morality"...clean slates, nothing held back, no obstacles between people to impair relationships.  Would that we could  so pure and transparent, but we always seem to have something to hide, as did Adam and Eve after breaking God's command no to eat the fruit of the tree of life. We follow that path consciously or unconsciously but perhaps this Lent we can change things, clear the decks and our hearts and be up front with those with whom we are having difficulties.  Let us pray for one another that we might have the courage to clean our slates.

Bro. Rene