Thursday 4th April
Read Matthew 5:43-48
“‘You have heard that it was said, “Love your neighbour and hate your enemy.” 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,45 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.46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that?47 And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that?48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” (NIVUK)
When Jesus argues that we love our enemies because that is what God is like the example He puts forward is one grounded in what has long been called ‘common grace’. Common grace is grace that is extended upon all people simply by virtue of receiving the gifts of creation from a gracious Creator. It is not ‘saving grace’, grace that transforms hard hearts such that they love and follow God’s laws. Common grace is indiscriminate. It does not favour anyone. It is showered upon those who deserve it and those who don’t. It is offered according to God’s nature, rather than man’s preferences. It is not even offered with a view to salvation – it is love for God’s sake alone.
That is the standard for Christian love according to Jesus.
