February 23
Matthew 5.43-48
43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47 And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
Yesterday we looked at some of those divisive actions. Today we see Jesus take another reversal of what we would see as “normal” and brings us to a better place. Seeing that others are also being divisive, Jesus called us to end our divisive actions and do the opposite. Showing how God does not localize good things only to the ones who love him, but brings life to all.
The question we could begin with is who do we have trouble dealing with? Someone who is mean and cruel to us. Someone we find it hard to love, or even be kind to. Regardless of the direction of these struggles, how can we be the one who changes? How can I act differently to restore life and reconcile within relationships?
This was one of the big learnings one of our groups went through a few years ago. When someone wrongs me, I cannot make them apologize or change their ways. But I can be forgiving and love them anyway. When I wrong another I cannot make them forgive me. But I can admit my own wrong, try to understand the pain caused, apologize and live differently. I can only take care of my part. But doing so changes relationship.
Jesus gives us a practical place to love those around us. Loving in the way we act to them and with them. Loving in the way God has loved us, bringing and restoring life.
Song – We Are Called
Prayer
God of all ages: we thank you for the faithful witness of your apostles, prophets, and martyrs throughout the history of your church and throughout the world even today. Through their witness we see and hear your truth. We bless you for all who bless your name through their writing, speaking, art, and music. Through their work we glimpse your beauty. We praise you for all who serve you without recognition or honor, offering encouragement to the lonely, the sick, and the fearful. Through their lives we see your faithfulness and sense your comfort. Now we pray that you will use even us to reflect the glory we see in Christ. May the voices of all your saints, made holy in Christ, swell in joyous praise to you, the giver of all good gifts, through Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.