“But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may prove yourselves to 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” (Matthew 5:44-45).
Jesus is not telling us that we must have fond affections for others That is the stuff of Hollywood. We are to see in others that they too are loved by our Lord. God gives common grace to all impartially. Sure, bad things happen. There is evil in the world. Our Lord was crucified. Every situation is a test in which we can learn how to love in a world filled with hate. In every circumstance, we can learn to be thankful.
The world is constantly chasing from one thing to another. The world is filled with strife because there is so much hatred. It should not be so with you. Yes, even in the church, there is hatred. Learn how to love others as the Lord does. That does not mean you have to tolerate evils, or do wrong things, but it does mean having a heart for others as the Lord has a heart for all whom He has created.
Lord Jesus, You loved the whole world enough to die for us all so that some might be saved. Lead me so that I learn how to care for others as You have cared for me. Grant that I would not love them conditionally, but impartially as You love us. No matter where someone is, they too need to hear the Gospel. Guide me, Lord, in the Gospel way today, sharing with all the Good News of Your grace. Amen.
