Following the God Who TransformsSample

Read: Matthew 5:43–48

43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 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. 46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47 And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”

The God Who Loves Everyone

Among the most precious rights Americans enjoy is the freedom of religion, guaranteed by the First Amendment to our Constitution. For most of human history, kings and emperors have demanded that their subjects adopt the religion of the realm, often on pain of death. But God does not force people to obey him. He invites our worship, but allows us to walk away. Jesus taught that God continues to love those who reject him. He continues to shower them (literally) with his blessings. He calls us to do the same. Accordingly, we seek religious freedom not just for ourselves, but for believers of all faiths and none — just as we would want them to do for us. When you suffer for your faith, ask God to help you to remain gracious and faithful. One day every knee will bow and confess that Jesus is Lord. Our calling is to love others and point them to Jesus through the clarity of our witness and the fragrance of our lives.

Prayer

Loving Father, thank you for the blessings of religious freedom. Guide our leaders to protect this basic human right for all people. Sustain those who suffer persecution. May the light and love of Christ shine brightly through our words and our lives. Amen.

Today's audio was narrated by Diane Cokley: Office and Technology Services Manager, National Association of Evangelicals.