Matthew 5:21-42
Jesus taught His followers to give close attention to the state of their hearts and motives. They were taught to identify sin not only as wrong actions but also wrong desires and motives. Jesus helped them understand that “sin” is missing the mark of God’s target for good living. It is a disorder of the spiritual heart. We may realize that the priorities of our hearts are out of order. Jesus wanted people to receive forgiveness and spiritual cleansing. He called us to live in new freedom and purity. Jesus called His followers to live with integrity. Jesus taught forgiveness as a remedy to bitterness.