Minister's Message for July 25

While Dr. Anna refreshes and renews with family, please reflect on the following passage from Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount.

Where do you experience God’s Good News in this passage?

What anger may you consider releasing through prayer?

How will your life be different when you’ve laid your anger down?

Matthew 6:38-48

Concerning Response to Hurt

38 “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ 39 But I say to you: Do not resist an evildoer. But if anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also,40 and if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, give your coat as well, 41 and if anyone forces you to go one mile, go also the second mile. 42 Give to the one who asks of you, and do not refuse anyone who wants to borrow from you.

Love for Enemies

43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I say to you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 so that you may be children of your Father in heaven, for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good and sends rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous. 46 For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? 47 And if you greet only your brothers and sisters, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the gentiles do the same? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”

God’s Grace, Mercy and Peace be with you,

Rev. Dr. Anna V. Copeland, Senior Minister

The Community Church of Vero Beach, Florida