“God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers. 12Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way.

 “You have heard that our ancestors were told, ‘You must not murder. If you commit murder, you are subject to judgment.’ 5:21 Exod 20:13; Deut 5:17. 22But I say, if you are even angry with someone,5:22a Some manuscripts add without cause. you are subject to judgment! If you call someone an idiot,5:22b Greek uses an Aramaic term of contempt: If you say to your brother, ‘Raca.’ you are in danger of being brought before the court. And if you curse someone,5:22c Greek if you say, ‘You fool.’ you are in danger of the fires of hell.

 “Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. 8For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.

Lord God my Father,

Keep me strong in your Truth no matter what the world says and make me bold as I share life with others. Keep my heart from temptation so my thoughts remain in you. Use me to bring your message to others as you desire.

In Jesus name I pray,

Amen