Today's Verse: Matthew 5:43-45

Thursday, February 8, 1962

[Jesus said,] "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 sons of your Father in heaven."
— Matthew 5:43-45

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

We often talk about the privileges of being a child of God - forgiveness, salvation, a future in heaven with him, the gift of the Holy Spirit, and ultimate victory when Christ comes. One of the greatest privileges we get, however, is the opportunity to act toward those who dislike and hate us in a way that reflects the character of God himself. Anyone can return hate for hate, but it takes a child of God to return a blessing and a prayer for his or her enemies.

My Prayer...

Father, thank you for loving me when I was still an enemy to you. Thank you for risking the death of your Son to offer me the chance to accept or reject your love. As you have promised, please pour your love into my heart so I may love even my enemies as you have loved me. In the name of your ultimate Gift of love, Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

16 Related Resources by Heartlight

Finding Our Target
Devo: What Jesus Did!
"[Jesus continued:] "You have heard the law that says, 'Love your neighbor' and hate your enemy. But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who..."
Love Your Enemies
Illustration of Matthew 5:43-45
Inspirational illustration of Matthew 5:43-45 -- [Jesus said,] "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 sons of your Father in heav
Matthew 5:44-45
Devo: Daily Wisdom
"But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and..."
Prove You Are God’s: Pray for Your Enemies
Devo: Spiritual Warfare
"But I say to you, love your enemies. Pray for those who hurt you. If you do this, you will be true children of your Father in heaven. He causes the...."
See All 16 Related Resources about Matthew 5:43-45

Illustration

Illustration of Matthew 5:43-45 — [Jesus said,] "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 sons of your Father in heaven."

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Thursday, February 8, 1962

Quotemeal
A daily dose of Christian quotes to inspire and encourage.
Quote by Author Unknown:
"We must let go of the life we planned in order to accept the life that is waiting for us."
Passion for Praise
A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
'He Will Redeem My Life!' (Ps. 49:15)
"But as for me, God will redeem my life. He will snatch me from the power of the grave."
Unstoppable!
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
'You Must Preach in Rome!' (Acts 23:11)
"That night [after Paul's difficult defense, hardships, and arrest,] the Lord appeared to Paul and said, "Be encouraged, Paul. Just as you have been a..."
Daily Wisdom
A daily devotional featuring wise counsel found in Scripture.
Psalm 40:4
"Blessed is the man who makes the Lord his trust, who does not look to the proud, to those who turn aside to false gods."

About This Devotional

Today's Verse is a free daily devotional that includes a Bible verse, thought and prayer.

The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.

More Today's Verse