The Kingdom of Heaven – Part 5
The Kingdom of Heaven is like no other kingdom. Likewise, the rules in the Kingdom of Heaven are not like the rules in any other kingdom.
A common thought in this world is that we have the right to retaliate against anyone that does something against us. This is known as ‘lex talion’ or ‘an Eye for eye, and a tooth for tooth.’ Usually, this is seen as justice. However, it is not like that in the Kingdom of Heaven. Jesus said:
You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. – Matthew 5:43-48
Love my enemy? Pray for them? How are we expected to comply with this commandment?
If you think many people have sinned against you, just try to calculate how many people have sinned against God. How many people have rejected His law? How many people have rejected His offering of salvation through Christ? Despite this, God blesses both the good and the evil. This might make no sense to us. But as a father, He looks at His children with love and hope.
Those who consider themselves as the ‘good’ children are called to do the same that our father does. And, Yes, it includes loving our enemy.
Another special rule in the Kingdom of Heaven is the one commonly known as ‘the Golden Rule’:
Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets. – Matthew 7:12
Everybody likes to be treated with respect. Everybody likes to feel special. Everybody likes…likes…likes… There is nothing bad about that. However, in the Kingdom of Heaven we are the ones called to break the ice. We are the ones to forge a path for others to follow. When we do good to others is like a rubber ball that bounds back when thrown. By the way, ‘We love Him because He first loved us’ (1 John 4:19)
As we said in the last part of this series, just think of a world in which everybody follows these rules. Let’s help in establishing the Kingdom of Heaven here in earth. We can do it one life at a time.
If you would like to begin a discussion on this teaching please do so by accesing the topic about the Kingdom of Heaven our forum site http://forum.forachangeonline.org/
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