Gospel

Love Everyone and Be Perfect

by Roland Crim
01/17/18
Free to Share
Author requests article critique

  Message Writer
  Hire Writer

Tweet

“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 NIV

Love of family and friends is in our hearts. But, Jesus tells us that even the tax collectors do as such. What is to set us apart as Christians? We are to love our enemies, and pray for those that persecute us. I have written before on this matter, but, it certainly bears repeating. To love one’s enemies must begin with understanding that there are different types of love. The love we should have for our enemies in unconditional love. It is meant to be a love for all mankind. So how do we do this? We must separate the actions of those who are our enemies from them as an individual. We are not to judge the person, as we have not walked a mile in their shoes. They were created by, and loved by God just as much as we are. If we want to be Christ-like, we must love as He did. Christ loved His persecutors, praying that the Father would forgive them for their deeds. Should we not do the same?

If you love unconditionally like God, you will not have hate tearing you apart. Christ said to be perfect as the heavenly Father is perfect. Heed His words.