Matthew 5:22–44

²²But I can guarantee that whoever is angry with another believer^awill answer for it in court. Whoever calls another believer an insulting name will answer for it in the highest court. Whoever calls another believer a fool will answer for it in hellfire. 

²³“So if you are offering your gift at the altar and remember there that another believer has something against you, ²⁴leave your gift at the altar. First go away and make peace with that person. Then come back and offer your gift. 

²⁵“Make peace quickly with your opponent while you are on the way to court with him. Otherwise, he will hand you over to the judge. Then the judge will hand you over to an officer, who will throw you into prison. ²⁶I can guarantee this truth: You will never get out until you pay every penny of your fine. 

About Sexual Sin

²⁷“You have heard that it was said, ‘Never commit adultery.’ ²⁸But I can guarantee that whoever looks with lust at a woman has already committed adultery in his heart. 

²⁹“So if your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose a part of your body than to have all of it thrown into hell. ³⁰And if your right hand leads you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose a part of your body than to have all of it go into hell. 

³¹“It has also been said, ‘Whoever divorces his wife must give her a written notice.’ ³²But I can guarantee that any man who divorces his wife for any reason other than unfaithfulness makes her look as though she has committed adultery. Whoever marries a woman divorced in this way makes himself look as though he has committed adultery. 

About Oaths

³³“You have heard that it was said to your ancestors, ‘Never break your oath, but give to the Lord what you swore in an oath to give him.’ ³⁴But I tell you don’t swear an oath at all. Don’t swear an oath by heaven, which is God’s throne, ³⁵or by the earth, which is his footstool, or by Jerusalem, which is the city of the great King. ³⁶And don’t swear an oath by your head. After all, you cannot make one hair black or white. ³⁷Simply say yes or no. Anything more than that comes from the evil one. 

Love Your Enemies—Luke 6:27–36

³⁸“You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ ³⁹But I tell you not to oppose an evil person. If someone slaps you on your right cheek, turn your other cheek to him as well. ⁴⁰If someone wants to sue you in order to take your shirt, let him have your coat too. ⁴¹If someone forces you to go one mile, go two miles with him. ⁴²Give to everyone who asks you for something. Don’t turn anyone away who wants to borrow something from you. 

⁴³“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor, and hate your enemy.’ ⁴⁴But I tell you this: Love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you.