TUESDAY, OCTOBER 16
Scripture: Matthew 5:43-48

In Matthew 5:48 we are told, “Therefore you shall be tel-i-os/perfect, just as your Father in heaven is tel-i-os/perfect.” Verse 48 is the application for verse 39. It tells us that in any given situation, we are to love the way God would love. If we are directed to be in the ‘temple-cleansing’ mode, some of us must overturn the tables of the money changers in prayer, and throw them out! What verse 48 makes clear is that any response to evil demands an intimate connection with God in order to discern which of the five layers we are to respond from. If Layer One is appropriate, we will turn the other cheek. If Layer Two is called for, we declare what the sin is but we also demonstrate forbearance and God’s mercy in order to encourage turning. Whichever layer the Holy Spirit dictates will guide us in our Christlike response as we lean on Him for our council and wisdom. Every single believer is destined to walk in the fullness of Christ! That means we have to be prepared to stand in all five dimensions of God’s love.