As we begin the new year, Converge churches and missionaries from around the globe will embark on 21 Days of Prayer. Join us on this prayer journey by reading the daily entries on Converge’s blog, or by downloading your free 21 Days of Prayer: Upside-down Kingdom guide (English/Spanish). In addition, you can share daily posts from our Facebook, Instagram and Twitter feeds. Thank you for joining us as we open 2022 in prayer together.
Day 10: Love for enemies
Matthew 5:43-48
43“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45that 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.46If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”
Probably one of the most challenging things Jesus calls us to do is to love our enemies. However, this is the very thing God wants us to do, and it is the example he set for us. His plan for redemption meant unconditional love for all humanity.
Loving those who love you is easy! Jesus’ question is poignant and a bit sarcastic, “Are not even the tax collectors doing that?!” And “Do not even pagans/gentiles do that?” Since their view of both gentiles and tax collectors was very low and since they were supposed to be the people of God, these questions cut straight to the heart of the matter. Aren’t you better than a tax collector? Can’t you rise above what the tax collectors do? Aren’t you better than the gentiles? Can’t you do more than they do?
Jesus’ challenge to them, then, is to be perfect. Our English word “perfect” does not quite capture what Jesus is expressing with the word teleios. This word means “having attained the end or purpose, complete, perfect.” In other words, become what you were made to be. What you are made to be is so much more than how you are behaving. Loving your enemy is the goal. Can you reach it?
Prayer
Lord, as I seek to be more like you, help me to love my enemies. Help me to show this uncommon grace and make a big impact on the lives of those who hate me. Help me to love more and judge less and, in that, to be a light to those around me. Amen.
