Opposites

Let’s kick today off with some easy questions! What’s the opposite of white? What’s the opposite of dark? What’s the opposite of a sunrise? What’s the opposite of being happy?

The verses today address two questions:

1. What’s the complete polar opposite of God’s heart?

2. How can we return to God’s heart if we have strayed to the opposite?

Read through today’s 12 verses. Verse 1 answers question 1 right away. What is the polar opposite of our Father’s heart? (If you need a reminder of our Father’s heart, look back at Matthew 5:7 or Jesus’ prayer in 6:12).

Let’s dig into our second question of the day - if we have slipped into a perspective of the people around us that is critical and sharp, what can we do about it? Look back through the picture Jesus paints in verses 3-5. Read them through until it makes sense. Who should we be looking at?

Jesus continues by giving the ultimate answer to a critical eye and a judgmental heart. Read through verses 7-12 again. These verses are powerful! Life-changing! Zero in on verses 11 & 12. These are worth your time to memorise if you can! What do they tell us about our Father?

If our Father gives us good gifts when we ask, hears and cares about us, we can release our grip on our burdens, worries, and fears. Our Father can cover them! This will free us up to care for others. We can treat others how we would love to be treated because our Good Father is taking care of us and our needs.

Go deep: End your time by giving God the things you’re carrying and your worries. Ask Him to show you if there are reasons why they weigh so heavily on you and how to leave them with Him.

Be bold: As you leave these things with your Father, ask Him if there are people He wants you to “do to them as you would have them do to you.” What is the first thing God wants you to do for these people / this person?

Memorise it: “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.” Matthew 7:12