A Homily on the Six

👉🏾👉🏾👉🏾 A Homily on the #Six #Commandments of the #Gospel Brethren in Christ, I greet you with the peace of our Lord, whose wisdom transcends the ages and whose teachings guide us toward the life eternal. Today, I invite you to delve into the profound depths of the commandments as presented in the New Testament, those which our Savior, Christ, redefined to elevate our spirits from the letter of the law to the spirit of divine grace. The Foundation of the Gospels In the scriptures of the Old Testament, the faithful adhered to the Ten Commandments, a covenant which shaped the moral foundation of God's chosen people. Yet, with the coming of Christ, these commandments were not abolished but fulfilled and transformed, deepening their essence and expanding their reach. Christ Himself proclaimed, "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them" (Matthew 5:17). In this fulfillment, He distilled the extensive teachings into six profound commandments, focusing not solely on external adherence but on the internal transformation of the heart. The First Commandment: On Anger and Murder The first of these teachings addresses the commandment, "Thou shalt not kill." Christ expounded this law further, teaching us that it is not enough merely to abstain from physical violence. Rather, He illuminated the destructive power of anger, indicating that even in our hearts, hostility towards our brethren is akin to the act of murder. Thus, He commands us to reconcile with one another earnestly, purifying our hearts to foster a community of peace rather than discord. The Second Commandment: On Lust and Adultery The second commandment addresses the sin of adultery. Our Lord emphasized the sanctity of marriage and the purity of the heart. He taught that even looking at another with lustful intent is to commit adultery in one’s heart. Here, Christ calls us to a higher standard of purity, one that governs not only our actions but our innermost thoughts, guiding us to honor and respect the sacred bond of marriage, both in deed and in intention. The Third Commandment: On Divorce In His third teaching, Christ addresses the matter of divorce, reinforcing the indissolubility of marriage except in the gravest circumstances. By emphasizing the permanence of the marital bond, He teaches us the importance of faithfulness and commitment, thereby sanctifying the marital relationship and calling us to uphold our vows with the utmost seriousness. The Fourth Commandment: On Oaths The fourth commandment urges us to refrain from making oaths, instead advocating for a simple and honest communication: "Let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No’." In this, Christ warns against the casual invocation of divine witness in our oaths, reminding us of the sacredness of God's name and encouraging transparency and truth in all our dealings. The Fifth Commandment: On Non-Resistance to Evil The fifth commandment radically reinterprets the old law of "an eye for an eye." Christ calls us instead to "turn the other cheek," teaching us the power of meekness and forbearance. In this commandment, we are invited to reflect the boundless mercy of God, who forgives us and offers grace in the face of our transgressions. Thus, we too are to embody this divine mercy, responding to evil not with vengeance but with love and patience. The Sixth Commandment: On Love for Enemies Finally, the sixth commandment challenges us to love not only our neighbors but also our enemies. Christ commands us to mirror the unconditional love of the Father, who showers blessings upon the just and unjust alike. By loving those who oppose us, we manifest our divine lineage and reflect the perfect love of our Creator. (Continues)👇🏾