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Sometimes we are broken and it’s our own fault. We made bad decisions or wrong choices, and now we suffer the consequences. But in our brokenness, we must be honest – honest with God and honest with ourselves. Only when we confess that we are broken can God make us into what He wants us to be.

It is one thing to love a friend; it's one thing to love a relative; it is another thing to love your enemy. As Christ followers, we don't have a choice when it comes to love. We are to love everybody, even our enemies. But that raises the big question: How is this possible?

In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus’ words in Matthew 7 highlight the idea that there are two paths a person can choose in life: one that is wide and easy but leads to destruction and another that is narrow and challenging but leads to life. Only a few find the right path and truly discover the fullness of life.

The Jews lived under constant Roman oppression. One demand by a Roman soldier or citizen would require a Jewish person to carry their burden for a mile. It was an inconvenient and unjust law. Israel lived in anticipation of the coming of Messiah. One who would deliver them from such tyranny! Now, here Jesus stood…telling them they should carry their Roman neighbors pack for a second mile?!? Surely this could not be what He meant. But it was.

Every time a group of believers in the Bible needed to, they sacrificed. Why is that? Because in each case a group of believers understood the meaning and the value of sacrificial giving. It is a level of giving that affects our living.

Graduate Sunday