Matthew 5:20
“I tell you, unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter into the kingdom of heaven.”

Jesus had just finished telling his followers that He would fulfill God’s law and “not the smallest letter or the smallest part of a letter” of God’s law would fail to come to pass. But then He adds the line above. The religious leaders held everyone strictly to the rules without bending. But Jesus said the most important commandment was to love God and love your neighbor as yourself…and this sometimes will trump the rules. The scribes and Pharisees were “either-or” thinkers…espousing that either you follow the rules or you are out! Jesus…on the other hand…was a “both-and” thinker…espousing that you both follow the rules and be willing to bend them when it’s the compassionate thing to do. God overlooks His own rules…when God forgives. It’s only through compassion and forgiveness that we enter the kingdom of heaven…which can begin right now! Who needs your compassion and forgiveness?

Suggested song of the day—“Salvation” on the Live to Love album.
All songs available on iTunes. Click on the link under blogroll to the right.
Have a blessed day!