Love Is EnoughSample

LEARNING TO LOVE THOSE WHO ARE UNLOVELY

I find it ironic that in today’s scripture, Jesus used the tax collector as an example to get his point across. Because people reviled the Matthews of their day, God knew it would get their attention!

“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

In today’s practice, ask yourself the hard questions that Jesus asked in today’s verse, and jot down your honest responses.

Further thought:

• Does seeing a disheveled person bring judgment across your mind?
• Does the coworker or relative that gets under your skin cause you to gossip about them?
• If your boss gave the promotion you deserved to another person, are you holding a grudge against the boss and the person who got the promotion?

These were just a few thoughts to promote your thinking. Jot down the names of people you have a hard time loving and think of ways to correct how and why you feel the way you do.

Chat with the Lord and ask Him to open opportunities to see the unlovely through His eyes.