Devotion:
Read Matthew 5:43-48.
This teaching comes in Matthew’s collection of teachings that we know as the “sermon on the mount.” As do several of Jesus’ teachings, this one begins with “You have heard that it was said…” This always introduces a commandment or teaching, often from the Hebrew Scripture we know of as the Old Testament. Jesus follows that with a more difficult teaching that goes beyond the first. In our passage today, Jesus starts with the common understanding that we love our neighbors while hating our enemies. Jesus tells us instead to love our enemies and to pray for those who persecute us! Whoever said following the teachings of Jesus is easy?
Jesus ends this passage with what seems to be an impossible charge…the be perfect, as God is perfect. This sounds impossible, and it indeed would be impossible for us if Jesus, by “perfect,” meant “being without flaw, error, defect, or mistake,” as we commonly think of perfect. The Greek word he used for perfect is better understood as “mature” or “complete.” Consistent with this understanding, John Wesley emphasized that we as believers are to go on to perfection, becoming fully grown and mature in our faith.
Personal Worship Option:
Gracious God, you know that I am not perfect in the sense of being without flaw. You have saved me, a sinner. Now help me to grow in my faith and in my love for you and for people in order that I can become mature, grown up, and complete as a follower of Christ. Amen.
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