Day 2: Love Your Neighbor

Read Mathew 5-6

First off, I just want to thank God for this opportunity He has given us to come together and get more in depth in his word. For those that read Matthew chapters 5 and 6, you know it is is a bulky passage with many take-aways; however, this devotional is mainly going to be Matthew 5:38-48.

“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 sons of your Father in heaven. He causes the 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 tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your brothers what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” -Matthew 5:38-48

At first glance, some of Jesus’ advice may seem downright foolish: Give to everyone who asks (5:42), love your enemies (5:44), turn the other cheek (5:39), don’t worry about clothes or food. Can such ideal situations ever work in the “real,” or visible world? Many of us have read this passage or have heard of other instances where Jesus said to love others who have wronged you. But how many of us live by this command everyday? We become hesitant or never forgive others causing friendships to break. We may forgive, but sometimes feel as if we deserve more from the the other person than just a “I apologize for my actions.” However, God is never hesitant with us. God showed His perfect love for us by sending His only begotten Son for the salvation of us sinners. Jesus did not waiver when God sent Him, instead, Jesus proclaimed: "Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done (Luke 22:42)." There is nothing we can do to repay Him. The minimum that God wants from us is a loving relationship with Him. This lenten season, let’s remember to dive into the Word of God deeper, letting go of past mistakes, and looking onto the future. Let us also strive to be Christ-like and make amends with people we may not get along with. In Genesis, on the sixth day, God created man in His own image. Which means, we have some of the greatest qualities that come from God Himself: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness (Galatians 5:22).” When we come in contact with others that may have wronged us, instead of having hatred or despise them, show them love and peace that God has gifted us with. Let us break our obsession with safety, security, thriftiness, self-righteousness (just to name a few). Instead, let us depend on the Father, letting God take care of the personal injustices that come our way, trusting God to look after our daily needs. The message of the Kingdom is this: Live for God rather than for yourself. Let us remember this passage as we continue with Lent over the next few weeks. May God bless us all.

- Mervin Abraham