Today's Verse: Matthew 5:43-45

Wednesday, February 8, 2006

[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.

Comments

Archived Facebook Comments

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Wednesday, February 8, 2006

What Jesus Did!
A daily guide from the gospels that challenges readers to live for Jesus.
'He Knew What People Were Really Like'
"Because of the miraculous signs Jesus did in Jerusalem at the Passover celebration, many began to trust in him. But Jesus didn't trust them, because....."
God's Holy Fire
A daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
'Empowering Proclamation' (Ep. 6:18-20)
"And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord's..."
A Year with Jesus
A devotional to help reclaim Jesus as the daily Lord of our lives.
'Compassion in the Middle of Conflict'
"Dear Friend, I came to Jerusalem and was greeted with wild enthusiasm. I came as the Prince of Peace, humbly riding on the colt of a donkey as..."
Daily Wisdom
A daily devotional featuring wise counsel found in Scripture.
Proverbs 8:32-33
""Now then, my sons, listen to me; blessed are those who keep my ways. Listen to my instruction and be wise; do not ignore it.""

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."

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