Today’s Reading: Matthew 5:43-47 (HCSB)
You have heard that it was said, “Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.” But I tell you, love your enemiesand pray for those whopersecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. For He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. For if you love those who love you, what reward will you have? Don’t even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing out of the ordinary? Don’t even the Gentiles do the same?
Today’s Question: What is your first reaction when someone says something or does something to you out of hate?
Today’s Commentary
The heart of a disciple is always measured by his or her love for others. And most people love on a limited basis. We love those who show us love. We love those who are attractive, popular, or powerful. We love our pets. But Jesus measures the depth of our love by examining the number of people we do not love.
In our depraved state, we are prone to hatred. Every person who breathes will face some degree of interpersonal conflict. Some people will like us and others will not, with no reason given. How do we handle these difficult people? Do we love them if they offer us nothing in return? What if our actions of love and kindness result in persecution and hostility from the other?
The word (agapao) that Jesus uses from love in this passage has a powerful meaning. He uses this word often in the context of God’s love for us. It is unconditional and sacrificial. This is the kind of love that brought Jesus to the cross. This was the ultimate example of One Who loved those who hated Him.
How can one love those who show hatred? This kind of love must be birthed in prayer. Then, we must leave the matter in our Heavenly Father’s hands.
Today’s lesson can be seen in action by the following story by D. C. Egner: “In January 1981, Colombian rebels kidnapped Chet Bitterman, shot him, and left his body in a hijacked bus. Imagine how his parents and loved ones must have felt at the senseless death of this young man! But in April 1982, as a demonstration of international good will, the churches and civic groups of Bitterman’s native area, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, gave an ambulance to the state of Meta in Colombia, where the young linguist was killed. Bitterman’s parents traveled to Colombia for the presentation of the ambulance. At the ceremony his mother explained, ‘We are able to do this because God has taken the hatred from our hearts.’” (Our Daily Bread)
“Follow One, Lead Others” Principle #23: The disciple of Jesus looks at others through the grace and love of Christ and imitates the same attitude toward others.
Today’s Prayer Point: Pray for those who oppose you and ask the Holy Spirit to direct your actions and reactions.
Shepherding Well 