**Read Matthew 15:1-20 and Romans 12:14-21
I. Righteousness of the Heart
- In Matthew 15:1-20, the Pharisees and the Scribes accused Jesus' disciples of breaking the law and the traditions of the elders by not washing their hands before they eat. To answer this, Jesus asked them why they break the same law by telling others not to help and honor their mother and father. Jesus, then, called them hypocrites for calling out others when they themselves break the law. Jesus then explained that we, as humans, have added different laws of men and traditions to our teachings. It is not these simple customs such as not washing our hands before eating that will take us away from God but it is our hearts, our evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, idolatry theft, false testimony, and slander.
- We try so hard to have a good reputation. We spend so much time to keep our outward appearance attractive. Just like the Pharisees and the Scribes who showed everyone that they honor and worship God but deep inside, they were envious and had other intentions. They were supposed to be teacher's of God's word, but everything that comes out of their mouth were about the laws of mankind. They're supposed to be the religious leaders who will guide us closer to God but what they teach was not in the Holy Scriptures, driving us away from the Lord. It is not how we look outside and how others view us that matters. What is in our hearts is what is important. When we become true Christians, God changes us from within and because of this new life, our outward expression also changes. When we are full of love from God, we tend to share this love to others. When we were changed, our way of life shows that we are now followers of Christ and part of God's family.
II. Conquer Evil With Good
- In Romans 12:14-21, we are reminded not to hold grudges but instead pray for those who persecute us; be joyful with those who rejoice; not be envious of others' accomplishments, be happy for them, and be humble and not be conceited for what we have, instead let us glorify God for his blessings. We shouldn't take revenge on those who have done us wrong. It is God's job, and not ours, to avenge what they have done and to punish them. Instead, we need to care for our enemies. Show them love and share our blessings with them. Let us forgive them and free ourselves from the heavy load of bitterness. We should not keep anger in our hearts for Jesus died for us even if we were still sinners. Let us be like Him and be lights of this world and hope that by sharing our love with our enemies, their hearts will be softened and they will realize their mistakes, repent their sins, and give their life to God.
III. Proverbs for Today/8:1-10 (The Excellence of Wisdom)
8 Does not wisdom cry out,
And understanding lift up her voice?
2 She takes her stand on the top of the high hill,
Beside the way, where the paths meet.
3 She cries out by the gates, at the entry of the city,
At the entrance of the doors:
4 “To you, O men, I call,
And my voice is to the sons of men.
5 O you simple ones, understand prudence,
And you fools, be of an understanding heart.
6 Listen, for I will speak of excellent things,
And from the opening of my lips will come right things;
7 For my mouth will speak truth;
Wickedness is an abomination to my lips.
8 All the words of my mouth are with righteousness;
Nothing crooked or perverse is in them.
9 They are all plain to him who understands,
And right to those who find knowledge.
10 Receive my instruction, and not silver,
And knowledge rather than choice gold;
IV. Additional Old Testament Reading:
Exodus 26-27, and Psalms 31:1-8
