Daily Word Of God
Matthew 5:43-48
Jesus said to his disciples: ‘You have heard how it was said, You will love your neighbour and hate your enemy. But I say this to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you; so that you may be children of your Father in heaven, for he causes his sun to rise on the bad as well as the good, and sends down rain to fall on the upright and the wicked alike.
‘For if you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Do not even the tax collectors do as much? And if you save your greetings for your brothers, are you doing anything exceptional? Do not even the gentiles do as much? You must therefore be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect.’
Today's Pointers on God's Word
As you read the passage what words, phases or meanings caught your attention?
- In today’s Gospel Jesus exhorts us to treat others, not as they deserve, but as God wishes them to be treated – with loving-kindness and mercy. This is the God-given grace which makes Christianity different from other religions.
- Jesus teaches us to show kindness and mercy to others and to expect nothing in return and to love those who cause us harm or ill-will. It is humanly impossible to be perfect as Jesus wants it. However, with God’s grace all things are possible.
- Jesus assures us of His love, mercy and grace if we follow in His ways. We must ask Him to fill us with His Holy Spirit so that we may walk in the joy and freedom of the Gospel.