February 23, 2024
Jesus Teaches About Loving Enemies
Matthew 5: 43 – 48
43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor[i] and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47 And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
REFLECTION:
This is possible only for those who give themselves fully to God, because only he can deliver people from natural selfishness. We must trust the Holy Spirit to help us show love to those for whom we may not feel love. How can we be perfect? We can be perfect in character, in holiness, in maturity and in love. Christ calls all of his disciples (Christians) to rise above mediocrity and to mature in every area, becoming like him.
APPLICATION:
Our work is to surrender every situation to God and to ask Him for guidance and wisdom to obey him and love our enemies.
PRAYER:
Dear Lord, sometimes this can be a tough one. Loving my enemies is hard sometimes, but I know it is possible with you. So, I ask today that you help me to love my enemies. I ask that you help me to pray for my enemies when I want to curse them.