Reading: Matthew 5:33-48, Acts 8:1-25, Psalm 13, Genesis 31

Recall:
Genesis 31 is a bizarre story.
MAtthew 5:42 "Give to everyone who begs from you, and do not refuse anyone who wants to borrow from you."
Matthew 5:48 "Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect."
Acts 8:8 "So there was great joy in that city."

Reflect:
Genesis 31 is the story of Jacob leaving the house of Laban. Jacob and Laban's relationship had always been both strained and strange, two wheeler-dealers confronting one another. In the end Jacob took his wives and children and livestock, which Laban contended were all his. And Rachel took his household gods. The story is a good reminder how convoluted relationships can become if we don't deal with one another with honesty and integrity.

I'm not sure about Matthew 5:42. How in the world do we give to everyone who begs from us? Is that possible?
Matthew 5:48 is the standard Jesus left us with, be perfect as God is perfect.

And in Acts, before the nonsense with Simon Magus starts (and the nonsense always always seems to start--just from one or two), Samaria's response to Philip's teaching was enthusiastic.

Respond:
The challenges for me in this passage: I will strive for perfection in my life and in my relationship's. It's difficult, but the dividends are incredible. As I operate this way, as the church operates this way, the response will be joyful.