Dock Resource Kit
Sunday sermon, 3 November 2024
Summary
This week, Timi spoke to us about handling conflict and living graciously as part of our Be Well series on the “Sermon on the Mount.” Reflecting on Jesus’ teachings, Timi challenged us to go beyond the instinct for retribution and instead embrace radical grace, forgiveness, and love—even toward those who may wrong us. By choosing to respond with kindness, turning the other cheek, and loving our enemies, we not only reflect God’s heart but also free ourselves from the burden of resentment. Jesus calls us to a life of completeness and wellness, marked by peace and wholeness—a life that embodies the love and grace of God in our daily actions and relationships.
Dock Discussion Questions
Jesus teaches us to “turn the other cheek” and “go the extra mile.” What might this look like in your own life, especially in situations where you feel wronged?
Timi highlighted the impact of forgiveness, not only on our relationships but on our own wellbeing. How has forgiveness, or a lack of it, affected you personally?
In what ways does our culture encourage “an eye for an eye” thinking? How can we, as followers of Jesus, respond differently to conflict and challenge?
Reflect on the concept of being “perfect” as our heavenly Father is perfect. How can striving for this kind of completeness change the way you approach everyday interactions and conflicts?
Long-form, editted transcript
Introduction: Be Well… the Sermon on the Mount.
Good morning, everyone. Special greetings to those of you joining us online, and a warm welcome to everyone gathered here today. It’s a joy to be with you on this Sunday morning as we dive into the fifth week of our series on the “Sermon on the Mount.”
This series invites us to look deeply at how we can “be well” by living out the good life Jesus describes. I call it a sensational sermon because it connects with culture and morality in a way few other teachings do. I’ve listened to countless speakers, politicians, and influencers, yet the “Sermon on the Mount” still stands out for its timeless relevance. Here, Jesus doesn’t just tell us what to do; He gets to the heart of who we are and how we should live. His words challenge us to live a life marked by transformation—a life changed from the inside out.
Reframing the Law
As we’ve seen in previous weeks, Jesus isn’t here to rewrite the law but to reframe it. The laws He refers to had been established for generations, but religious leaders had added layers of interpretation over the years. When Jesus says, “You have heard it said, but I tell you…” He’s not changing the law; He’s inviting us to look beyond it, into God’s true intention. Jesus corrects their understanding, calling us to look at the heart behind each law rather than merely following rules.
Facing Conflict and Choosing Our Response
Today, our focus is on handling conflict—a part of life we can’t avoid. Whether it’s in our relationships, our beliefs, or even small things like fashion, we often face situations that cause tension. Someone recently told me I was “too old” to wear grey jeans, which, I admit, sparked a bit of inner conflict! The truth is, conflict is inevitable, large or small, and we always have a choice in how we respond to it.
American author Jack Canfield brought attention to the idea that we often see life as a sequence where an event happens and an outcome follows automatically. But there’s actually a space in between—an opportunity where we can choose our response. He calls this Event + Response = Outcome. It’s in that space, that choice of response, where the outcome can be changed. So if someone cuts you off in traffic, for example, you have the choice of how you’ll respond, rather than letting that event determine your mood or your actions.
Exploring Matthew 5: Turning the Other Cheek
In Matthew chapter 5, Jesus brings us to the heart of this approach, saying: “You have heard it said, ‘An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth,’ but I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also.” This “eye for an eye” idea wasn’t meant to encourage revenge; it was actually a limitation on retaliation, ensuring justice instead of escalation. But Jesus pushes this further, calling us to live without retaliation altogether, moving instead toward grace.
He goes on to say, “If someone sues you for your shirt, hand over your coat as well. If someone forces you to go one mile, go with them two.” In Roman times, soldiers could demand that a civilian carry their belongings for a mile. Imagine the impact of not only complying but willingly going further. Jesus calls us to go beyond what’s expected, to surprise others with unexpected grace that reveals God’s love. By choosing this approach, we let go of bitterness and resentment.
Living Graciously: Choosing Kindness
Living graciously is at the heart of this message. Jesus is urging us to be generous in our kindness, to go the extra mile, and to let our actions reflect God’s grace. Think about it: if someone asks for something small, offer more. Imagine a situation where someone demands your shirt, and you offer them your coat as well. Jesus is calling us to live in such a way that surprises and challenges people with grace.
This was a counter-cultural message, especially in the Roman Empire, where revenge and dominance were valued. Yet it was precisely this message of love, kindness, and grace that drew people to Christianity. Our lives can have the same impact on others when we choose to respond with grace, even when it’s difficult.
Forgiveness and Loving Our Enemies
Perhaps the hardest part of Jesus’ message is His call to “love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” It can feel impossible to love someone who’s wronged us, to forgive them, and to pray for their well-being. But Jesus challenges us to do exactly that. Forgiveness isn’t about ignoring the hurt or pretending everything is okay, but about releasing resentment.
Forgiveness doesn’t mean allowing someone back into our lives in the same way or letting them take advantage of us. It’s about letting go of anger and choosing peace over bitterness. Real reconciliation can happen when both forgiveness and repentance are present, but we’re called to forgive even before that occurs.
In the series The Crown, there’s an episode where Queen Elizabeth wrestles with forgiveness toward her uncle, whose abdication changed the entire course of her life. She finds it difficult to let go, to forgive him. This struggle is one many of us can relate to, as there are often people in our lives we find difficult to forgive, whether they’re family, friends, or colleagues.
Holding onto bitterness often does more harm to us than to the other person. Studies show that resentment and anger can affect our health, even down to the level of our DNA, impacting future generations. Imagine that—the emotions we hold onto have the power to shape the next generation. Forgiveness frees us from this burden, allowing us to live fully and healthily.
Living in Community with Kindness and Compassion
Our church community is an ideal place to practice forgiveness and grace. Living as followers of Christ means choosing kindness, courtesy, and compassion in our interactions, especially when it’s challenging. When we embrace forgiveness, we create a space where peace and unity can thrive.
Ephesians 4:31-32 reminds us, “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” God’s call to forgive isn’t about excusing wrongs; it’s about freeing ourselves from the grip of anger and reflecting Christ’s love in all we do.
Becoming “Perfect” as Our Heavenly Father is Perfect
As we come to the end of this passage, Jesus says, “Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” This idea of “perfection” doesn’t mean being flawless, but rather being whole, complete, and at peace. To be perfect in this sense is to live fully in God’s love, allowing that love to flow through us to others. This is the life Jesus calls us to, this is what it is to be well—a life marked by grace, peace, and kindness, even amidst the conflicts and challenges we face.
Concluding Prayer
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the wisdom of Your Word and the power of Jesus’ teachings. Help us to live out these truths, to choose kindness over conflict, forgiveness over bitterness, and love over resentment. May we be gracious even when it’s difficult and extend Your love and peace to all we encounter. Let our lives reflect Your heart and bring light to those around us. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.