Devotion:
Read Matthew 5:38-48.
These scriptures from Matthew are known collectively as Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. Jesus is encouraging and teaching lessons for life in God’s kingdom. An important introductory verse to this section is Matthew 5:17 “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.”
Within these ten verses are ways to fulfill the laws of God. I have called these the “flying upside down” verses, because each verse calls us to live life counter-intuitively to the culture around us. These truths are timeless for every generation.
Look at each instruction. The underlying themes are love, kindness, grace, sacrifice and generosity, even when it isn’t deserved or earned. Isn’t this the way of Jesus? Which one of these is most difficult for you? Is it to not seek revenge, to be generous, to walk the second mile or to love and pray for your enemies?
Our theme for this week’s devotionals focuses on our need for both boundaries and freedom. How do we find both the healthy boundaries and freedom in these words from Jesus? I believe Jesus gives us clues in Matthew 5:46a and 48. “If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”
In other words, follow God’s ways of love which are unconditional, forgiving, sacrificial and eternal. It’s easy to love those who love us, but it takes God’s power to love those who don’t love us. God, who offers love to you and to me, can empower us to offer this kind of love to others. It’s not about “perfectionism”, it’s about being made perfect (complete) in God’s ways of love.
Personal Worship Option:
Dear heavenly Father, it isn’t easy to pray for my enemies. Help me to learn how to pray for them. Today, I lift up to you the ones I consider to be my enemies whether they are near or far-away. Thank you for loving me. Help me to follow you in your ways of love. Amen.
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