Devotion:
Read Matthew 5:43-48.
In this portion of the Sermon on the Mount Jesus is clarifying a misinterpretation of Scripture. The Pharisees had been teaching that they should love only those who love in return. Some of the Jews held an animosity against people they did not like, such as the Samaritans, Romans, and Gentiles.
When someone hurts us, we want to retaliate with words or actions. But Jesus says we are to love our enemies for in doing so, we show that Jesus is Lord of our life.
Leonardo Da Vinci once had a terrible falling out with a fellow artist just before he began work on the "Last Supper." The story is told that he determined to paint his enemy as Judas. It was a perfect likeness. Then, he began painting the likeness of Jesus. No matter how hard he tried, nothing seemed to please him. Finally, he realized that he could not paint the portrait of Jesus as long as his enemy had been painted into Judas's place. Once that was corrected, then the face of Jesus came easily.
It's impossible for us to be at complete peace with Jesus as long as we harbor hatred for our enemies. Jesus teaches that we should practice loving our enemies, those that strive against us, in order to be most fully like him. This command is a challenge, and we need to trust the Holy Spirit to help us show love to those we don't naturally love.
Personal Worship Option:
Who might be striving against you today? Pray for God to bless him or her. Ask God to show you how to extend love and kindness today.
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