Daily Word Of God
Matthew 5:43-48
Jesus said to his disciples: ‘You have heard how it was said, You must love your neighbour and hate your enemy. But I say this to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you; in this way you will be sons of your Father in heaven, for he causes his sun to rise on the bad men as well as the good, and his rain to fall on honest and dishonest men alike.
‘For if you love those who love you, what right have you to claim any credit? Even the tax collectors do as much, do they not? And if you save your greetings for your brothers, are you doing anything exceptional? Even the pagans do as much, do they not? You must therefore be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect.’
Today's Pointers on God's Word
As you read the passage what words, phases or meanings caught your attention?
- God teaches us to love our enemies because He loves everyone! Do we feel “cheated?” Do we expect God to punish our enemies? But God came to save all peoples especially sinners.
- When we find it difficult to forgive, God wants us to transcend our hurt and even go so far as to see the good in every person.
- We are all called to develop a Christian attitude of reaching out to all peoples because God sees them as “loveable” and more importantly redeemable. So, we are each challenged to love everyone in radical Christ- like ways.