Devotionals for August 1, 2024
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READ
Matthew 5:43-48
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.
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.
REFLECT
There are a few passages more appropriate for Christians during election season. One glance at social media and you will, sadly, find many people who profess faith in Christ speaking about those they consider their enemies with hatred. Remember, Jesus does not say “No longer think of your enemy as an enemy” or “Do not think of your persecutor as a persecutor.” Loving others does not require delusional denial. Jesus is saying that we should regard those people who oppose us and despise us as people to love. We should not reciprocate the hatred of the world but overcome it with love. This is what Jesus does when, for His enemies, He endures the cross. We are to be the same.
APPLY
Q: What is the significance of Jesus saying “Are not even the tax collectors doing that?”
Q: Who are your enemies? How can you love them?
Q: How should we lead others into radical love?
Q: Who are your enemies? How can you love them?
Q: How should we lead others into radical love?
SING
PRAY
"Forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us."
Lord, help us to forgive others on the basis of your forgiveness of us. We do not deserve your love, so let us offer love freely to those who do not deserve ours. Amen.
Lord, help us to forgive others on the basis of your forgiveness of us. We do not deserve your love, so let us offer love freely to those who do not deserve ours. Amen.