Step 10: Say YES to Jesus’ Definition of Perfect Love

Step 10: Say YES To Jesus’ Definition of Perfect Love

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.


Brief Observation

In this election year, imagine turning on the news and seeing the leading candidates praise their opponent’s accomplishments and character and praying for them. Hold that in your heart for a moment. That’s not what we’ve come to expect. But that’s what Jesus is getting at in this part of the Sermon on the Mount. 


Jesus is inviting his apprentices to learn to love like their Heavenly Father. It seems absurd to the world, but Jesus is saying this is normal for those who live according to His rule. To love our enemies and neighbors the same is the way of Christ…the way of the cross.


Prayer

Father, you love with an unending love. Jesus, you offered your life as the greatest expression of that unending love. Spirit, as you raised Jesus’ body from the dead, raise up love within me, that I may love like my Heavenly Father.


Daily Scripture

Monday: Matthew 5:43-48

Tuesday: 1 John 4:16-21

Wednesday: 1 Corinthians 13

Thursday: Luke 10:25-37

Friday: Ephesians 5:1-2

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