Scripture to Read: Matthew 5:44–45
Jesus desires that our lives look much different than the world in which we live. As we saw in yesterday's devotion, it was the religious leaders/teachers who had added their take on God's Word. But Jesus demolished their lies and said in Matthew 5:44–45, “But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.” Jesus brought the people right back to God’s original command, “to love,” but then said they were to love their enemies and even pray for them. Again, Jesus always calls us to go beyond our comfort level and to count the cost of following Him. We are always to imitate our Heavenly Father, for God tells us in Ephesians 5:1–2, “Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; 2 and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma.” We must continually walk in God’s love and love just as Christ has loved us. Since Christ gave Himself up for us, we must give ourselves up for everyone God brings into our lives. God never wants us to simply get by, but to passionately pursue our fellowship with Him so our lives reflect Him and others experience His love through us. Our lives are not our own. Therefore, we must live for Him.
Challenge & Application
· After reading today’s devotion, what are the things that God spoke to you about that you know you must apply to your life?
· How will you start to apply what God has taught you today?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!