TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL PASSAGE

43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor 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.

Matthew 5:43-48

DEVOTIONAL

by Stephanie Reloj

Today, we keep on hearing “self-love.” It’s very nice; however, that love of oneself should also be extended to loving others. If you find loving yourself challenging, how much more if you love other people, especially those who have done you wrong? Consider someone in your life whom you find difficult to love or who has treated you poorly. How can you demonstrate Christ’s love to that person today? 

For the Jews of Jesus’ time, the concept of loving enemies was radical and perhaps even offensive. They were accustomed to viewing Samaritans and Gentiles as outsiders, not deserving of the same love and compassion as their fellow Jews. Yet Jesus breaks down these barriers, emphasizing that all people are our neighbors and worthy of love and kindness.

Jesus’ ultimate example of love is seen in His sacrificial death on the cross. In that act, He demonstrated love for all humanity, regardless of ethnicity, nationality, or background. He came to reconcile people from every tribe, nation, and race to God, breaking down the walls of hostility that divide us.

As followers of Jesus, we are called to embody His love by loving even those who oppose or treat us poorly. This doesn’t mean we condone or excuse harmful behavior, but it does mean that we extend grace and forgiveness, just as Christ has done for us.

 

PRAYER