Jesus’ second everyday example of his reframed spirituality is an invitation to avoid adultery by loving another. Yes, you heard that right. When we are busy loving another, we do not commit adultery. Let me explain.

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Episode TranscriptReframing SpiritualityThe Pure of HeartTeaching to ObeyMore RighteousBe-Attitudes vs. Beatitudes”I Kissed Dating Goodbye” author statementThe Purity Culture and Sex as a DutySalt of the EarthLiving By SpiritA Spirit of LoveFrom Murder to MeeknessSeries Links

Guiding the people from murder to meekness is the first in a series of examples exploring Jesus’ reframed spirituality. These everyday applications unpack how embodying the Beatitudes does two things. One, it serves as societal salt or light. Two, it creates blessed happiness for the disciple. Jesus does this by reframing the common teachings from the Law given by Moses.

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Episode TranscriptReframing SpiritualitySalt of the EarthLight of the WorldBlessed Are the MeekThe Four Agreements (affiliate)How to Have Better Arguments OnlinePersuading the UnpersuadableWho Are the Peacemakers

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus is reframing spirituality in his day. But when we read it today, we need a double dose of reframing.

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Episode TranscriptBe-Attitudes or Beatitudes Jesus Taught the Kingdom of HeavenSalt of the EarthLight of the WorldHow Do You Fulfill the Law“The Powers That Be” by Walter Wink (affiliate link)Giving and Receiving MercyPersecuted for RighteousnessLiving By SoulA Spirit of LoveSermon on the Mount – IntroductionSeries List

Jesus closes the opening section of the Sermon on the Mount by telling the people they need to be more righteous. His actual words translate as, “For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”

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Episode TranscriptSermon on the Mount – IntroductionJesus Taught the Kingdom of HeavenLeonard SweetLiving By SpiritBe-Attitudes or BeatitudesTeaching To ObeyThe Pure In HeartPoor in SpiritSalt of the EarthLight of the WorldFulfill the LawLiving By SoulA Spirit of LoveSeries List

What does it mean to fulfill the Law?

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Episode TranscriptTeaching To ObeyThe Pure In HeartBe-Attitudes Or BeatitudesSpiral Dynamics on WikipediaLiving By SoulA Spirit of LoveSeries Links

Being the light of the world, like being the salt of the earth, describes the broad social impact of disciples who embody the Beatitudes. As we explored yesterday, serving as the salt focuses on everyday lived experiences. Being the light of the world is ultimately an act of truth telling that prompts change.

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Episode TranscriptSalt of the EarthDust WhispererGrove Collaborative (affiliate link)B-CorpBlessed Are Those Who MournBe-Attitudes or BeatitudesAre B Corps An Elite Charade For Changing The World?Winners Take All by Anand GiridharadasMisfits Market (affiliate link)Blessed are the MeekThe Pure In HeartWho Are The Peacemakers?Series List

What does it mean that embodying the Beatitudes makes people the salt of the earth?

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Episode TranscriptA Ninth Beatitude?Be-Attitudes or Beatitudes?Jesus Taught the Kingdom of HeavenUnder Saturn’s Shadow by James Hollis (affiliate link)Persecuted for RighteousnessGiving and Receiving MercyBlessed Are Those Who MournPoor in SpiritBlessed Are The MeekWho Are the Peacemakers?Series List

Is there a ninth Beatitude? I opened the series on the Beatitudes saying there were nine of them. It is true that, “blessed are” shows up nine times in the first part of Matthew chapter five. But is there really a ninth Beatitude?

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Episode TranscriptBe-Attitudes or BeatitudesBlessed Are the MeekGiving and Receiving MercyTeaching To ObeySermon on the MountSeries List

In what some consider the final Beatitude Jesus says, “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:10–12, NRSV).

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Episode TranscriptSermon on the Mount IntroductionJesus Taught the Kingdom of HeavenLiving By SpiritBlessed Are The Poor In SpiritBlessed Are The MeekGiving and Receiving MercyWho Are The Peacemakers?

The Series

This post is part of an ongoing series. Link here for a list of every episode in this series.

Next in Jesus’ series of blessings is, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God” (Matthew 5:9, NRSV).

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Episode TranscriptLiving By SoulMonty Python’s Constitutional Peasant

The Series

This post is part of an ongoing series. Link here for a list of every episode in this series.