Here are some devotional questions to consider after reading Matthew 5:21-26. You can also listen to the related sermon HERE.
How do you define "value" when it comes to people in your life? Which people hold more value to you?
Are there people in your life who you find difficult to see as valuable?
How does anger, frustration, or gossip sometimes affect the way you view others?
Jesus says anger toward someone can be as serious as murder in God’s eyes. How does this challenge your perspective on anger?
Can you think of a time when unchecked anger affected your relationship with someone? Why does anger break relationships?
Reflect on a recent time you spoke poorly about someone who wasn't present.
How did that affect your attitude toward them, even if they didn’t hear it?
Jesus teaches that even insulting someone carries weight in God's eyes.
How does your language about others reflect your true feelings toward them?
In what ways do you find yourself comparing yourself to others or seeing yourself as “better” than others?
How does this sense of superiority harm both you and those around you?
When you think about people who are often devalued by society (e.g., criminals, immigrants, marginalized groups), what thoughts or biases come to mind?
How might you pray for a change of heart in this area? How can you grow to value people that society de-values?
Jesus uses hyperbole about leaving even important religious duties to seek reconciliation to stress how important it is to make things right with others.
Is there someone you have wronged that you need to seek reconciliation or forgiveness with?
If we see others with "sacred worth and dignity" how might that change our interactions with other people?
Can you think of practical ways to affirm someone’s value this week?
How can you lean on prayer more often to help you value others as God values them?
Take a moment to pray for someone you’ve found challenging to value, asking God to help you see them through His eyes.
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