Today's Devotion: Matthew 5:44-45 (NIV) - 44 But I tell you: Love your enemies b and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be sons 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.
b Some late manuscripts "enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you"
According to the Handbook on the Gospel of Matthew, the concept of "an eye for an eye" existed as a means of preventing unrestrained vengeance. It became, however, misunderstood and used as a means to exact the vengeance that it was supposed to prevent. To be sons of God or children of God suggests that one should reflect the character of God. God has given the gift of life to everyone; he created all mankind out of love, despite the fact that mankind has done evil and spiteful things to both God and each other.
Today's Comments: How difficult it is to be like God. It is easy to love our neighbor, as long as he agrees with us. But once our neighbor disagrees and causes us injury (usually to our pride), we want revenge. We want our eye for an eye, plus more. We forget that, despite the disobedience of God's creation, He sent his only son to atone for our sins. Jesus, the Son, prayed for those who persecuted Him. He demonstrated true Sonship. If we claim that sonship, we must also love and pray for those who persecute us.
b Some late manuscripts "enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you"
According to the Handbook on the Gospel of Matthew, the concept of "an eye for an eye" existed as a means of preventing unrestrained vengeance. It became, however, misunderstood and used as a means to exact the vengeance that it was supposed to prevent. To be sons of God or children of God suggests that one should reflect the character of God. God has given the gift of life to everyone; he created all mankind out of love, despite the fact that mankind has done evil and spiteful things to both God and each other.
Today's Comments: How difficult it is to be like God. It is easy to love our neighbor, as long as he agrees with us. But once our neighbor disagrees and causes us injury (usually to our pride), we want revenge. We want our eye for an eye, plus more. We forget that, despite the disobedience of God's creation, He sent his only son to atone for our sins. Jesus, the Son, prayed for those who persecuted Him. He demonstrated true Sonship. If we claim that sonship, we must also love and pray for those who persecute us.
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