Daily Devotion for April 02, 2025

Devotion:

For an audio version of this devotion, click here.

Read Matthew 5:46-48.

Loving people who love us back is easy. It comes naturally to care for those who treat us well, speak kindly, and support us. But Jesus calls us to something greater—to love even those who are different from us, challenge us, hurt us, or stand against us.  

The love Jesus describes isn’t based on feelings or reciprocity. It’s a love that mirrors God’s own heart—a love that extends to the undeserving, the difficult, and even the hostile. This is the kind of love that sets Christ’s followers apart. It’s not about how others treat us; it’s about who we are in Christ. 

 

Jesus ends this passage with a challenge: “Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” At first, this may seem impossible. How can we, with all our flaws, reach perfection? But in this context, "perfect" means mature, complete, and whole in love. Jesus is calling us to grow into a love that reflects God’s own nature—a love that is unconditional, sacrificial, and relentless.  

Personal Worship Option:

Pray this prayer or one of your own: Father, Your love is boundless and undeserved, yet You give it freely. Teach me to love in the same way—not just those who are easy to love, but those who are difficult, challenging, and even unkind. Make my heart more like Yours, that I may grow in maturity and reflect Your perfect love in the world. Amen.