Teaching About Revenge And About Loving Enemies
Worship
In the Beginning Was the Word
Scriptures For The Lectionary Speaking Choir, Cycle A
Suggestions:
Use in ordinary sequence with the scripture reading.
10 speakers - men and women of all ages
Speakers read from a sitting position in usual places in the pews. If voices do not carry well in your sanctuary, invite speakers to sit near the center aisle and let the minister carry a portable microphone to each in an interviewing manner.
Key:
1-10 = readers
1: "You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.' But I say to you, Do not resist an evildoer. But if anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also;
2: and if anyone wants to sue you and take your coat, give your cloak as well;
3: and if anyone forces you to go one mile, go also the second mile.
4: Give to everyone who begs from you,
5: and do not refuse anyone who wants to borrow from you.
6: You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your Father in heaven;
7: for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the righteousness and on the unrighteous.
8: For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same?
9: And if you greet only your brothers and sisters, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the gentiles do the same?
10: Be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect."
Use in ordinary sequence with the scripture reading.
10 speakers - men and women of all ages
Speakers read from a sitting position in usual places in the pews. If voices do not carry well in your sanctuary, invite speakers to sit near the center aisle and let the minister carry a portable microphone to each in an interviewing manner.
Key:
1-10 = readers
1: "You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.' But I say to you, Do not resist an evildoer. But if anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also;
2: and if anyone wants to sue you and take your coat, give your cloak as well;
3: and if anyone forces you to go one mile, go also the second mile.
4: Give to everyone who begs from you,
5: and do not refuse anyone who wants to borrow from you.
6: You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your Father in heaven;
7: for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the righteousness and on the unrighteous.
8: For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same?
9: And if you greet only your brothers and sisters, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the gentiles do the same?
10: Be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect."
