“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 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. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. Matthew 5:43-48 (NIV)
Jesus continues to talk about loving without limits and applies this to our enemies.
The law said you don’t have to love an enemy but Jesus brings a higher standard. A standard that is driven by grace and mercy.
We were enemies of Jesus and yet while we were in our sin, Jesus loved us by giving His life for ours.
That is grace. Grace loves those who are against you.
Jesus tells us to love those who are against us. Love your enemies.
There is no reward for responding to an act of kindness. The reward is when kindness and love aren’t deserved yet is given.
That’s love without limits. That is a perfect love that came to love us and save us.
My Next Step:
Let my love be without to those who are against me.