Matt hew 5 - new insights from Bait of Satan course

43-47
"You're familiar with the old written law, 'Love your friend,' and its unwritten companion, 'Hate your enemy.' I'm challenging that. I'm telling you to love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst. When someone gives you a hard time, respond with the energies of prayer, for then you are working out of your true selves, your God-created selves. This is what God does. He gives his best—the sun to warm and the rain to nourish—to everyone, regardless: the good and bad, the nice and nasty. If all you do is love the lovable, do you expect a bonus? Anybody can do that. If you simply say hello to those who greet you, do you expect a medal? Any run-of-the-mill sinner does that."

45 in NIV
that you may be sons of your Father in heaven

Greek word for 'sons' here means that people will recognise you as Gods son by your behaviour. You not only are genetically connected (thats a different word for 'son') but you take after your father in how you act.

Well - here I am having confessed that I avoid womens groups because I don't like being caught up in gossip and stuff - HELLO ! what a judgement!

My eyes are being opened on this course. Thank Heavens! even if I don't like what I see about me. I can see that when God gives me opportunities to exercise some spiritual muscle (so that I get stronger) I often avoid the exercise. So I am nearly 60 and still toddling! I LOVE this journey - because even if I know I am never arriving this side of heaven - I am glad that there is still so much to learn... he will never give up on me!