A responsive proclamation for Matthew 5:21-37
Leader: What have you heard was said about insults?
All: We have heard that it was said,
Leader: “If you so much as call your fellow believer an idiot, you will go to Hell.”
All: But in Christ we say:
We speak to each other with respect.
We are honest when we have been wounded.
We apologize when we have hurt each other.
We choose life. We choose love.
Leader: What have you heard was said about lust?
All: We have heard that it was said,
Leader: “If you so much as look at anyone with lust, you will go to Hell.”
All: But in Christ we say:
We do not treat others as objects.
We see them not as something to be consumed,
but as fellow beloved children of God.
We celebrate the beauty and strength in each other.
We choose life. We choose love.
Leader: What have you heard was said about divorce?
All: We have heard that it was said,
Leader: “If you divorce for any reason, you have committed adultery.”
All: But in Christ we say:
When someone is bound by law in a system of
abuse, neglect, and violence,
we do not leave them suffering.
We proclaim freedom.
We recognize the end of a marriage can be the beginning of healing.
We choose life. We choose love.
Leader: What have you heard was said about swearing?
All: We have heard that it was said,
Leader: “If you say a single swear word, you have sworn against God.”
All: But in Christ we say:
We believe in following through on what we say we’ll do.
We say “Yes” when a yes will lead to life.
We say “No” when a no can be said in love.
We choose life. We choose love.
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