I was reading the Jesus’ sermon on the mount (aka the Beatitudes) this morning and feeling pretty good about myself. That is, until I got here:

“And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.”
Matthew 5:40-42

This is tough. It really is. I try to live this way, but usually I just… don’t want to.

And then I got here:

“Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”
Matthew 5:48

Wow. Well, I don’t think Jesus actually expects us to be perfect–He wouldn’t have died on the cross if that were the case.

But I do think He might be pointing out just how far we’ve fallen, and just how much we need Him. Praise God for His forgiveness! And for His strength to help us look more like Him.

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