Matthew 5:13-20 (NRSV)
Read Matthew 5:13-20 on biblegateway.com
Verse 13"You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything, but is thrown out and trampled under foot. Verse 14"You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. Verse 15No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. Verse 16In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.
Verse 17"Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets; I have come not to abolish but to fulfill. Verse 18For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not one letter, not one stroke of a letter, will pass from the law until all is accomplished. Verse 19Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, will be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. Verse 20For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.
Devotion
God is at work making us new. Each interaction with the family of God and those we meet every day through our work, through our families, through our friendships, through our shopping, and through the family of faith is an opportunity to season our relationships. There are times when frustrations and fear flavor our lives, and our witness to the love of God is blurred. One of my requests of God as I begin each day is that my words and actions bring God glory and honor and praise. Every relationship we have can be filled with the power of the Holy Spirit and move us into deeper trust and caring. I believe that Satan’s goal is to destroy our relationships with each other and God. It is through prayer and the words of scripture that we find ways to season our relationships with the love of God.
Prayer
Gracious Lord God may our words and actions bring you glory and honor and praise. We pray in Jesus’ name. Amen