Dealing with the Ugly

  True ugly often has little to do with

“You have heard that our ancestors were told, ‘You must not murder. If you commit murder, you are subject to judgment.’ But I say, if you are even angry with someone, you are subject to judgment! If you call someone an idiot, you are in danger of being brought before the court. And if you curse someone, you are in danger of the fires of hell.” – Matt 5:21-22

“You have heard the commandment that says, ‘You must not commit adultery.’ But I say, anyone who even looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” – Matt 5:27-28

When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. – Gal 5:19-21a

  Jesus came to the ugly in us

Our friendship with God was restored by the death of His Son while we were still His enemies – Rom 5:10a NLT

He personally carried our sins in His body on the cross so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right – 1Pe 2:24 NLT

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord – Rom 6:23 NLT

  It takes the person to initiate reconciliation

There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends – John 15:13 NLT

  We must become this Christmas

Be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you. – Eph 4:32b

For if you forgive other people for their offenses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive other people, then your Father will not forgive your offenses. – Matt 6:14-15

All scripture is from the New American Standard Bible unless otherwise noted