Today's Verse: Matthew 5:43-45

Friday, February 8, 2002

[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 Friday, February 8, 2002

Spiritual Warfare
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
'We Are Called to Suffer with Christ'
"Endure suffering along with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. Soldiers don’t get tied up in the affairs of civilian life, for then they cannot..."
Daily Wisdom
A daily devotional featuring wise counsel found in Scripture.
Ephesians 5:15-16
"Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise,making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil."
Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'Filled with Knowledge' (Co. 1:9-10)
"Dear Father, Help me and all of your people everywhere to be filled with complete knowledge of what you want, in all wisdom and spiritual..."
Unstoppable!
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
'Do You Believe?' (Acts 26:25-28)
"But Paul replied [to Festus' charge that he had lost his mind because he believed in the resurrection of Jesus], "I am not insane, Most Excellent..."

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