Wednesday 3rd 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)
John Chrysostom, one of the greatest preachers of the 4th century, was awed by these verses, describing them as the highest pinnacle of the sermon. Though the language is a little old hear him describe the nine escalating steps required of us by our Lord.
“For neither did He simply command to love, but to pray. See how many steps He has ascended, and how He has set us on the very summit of virtue? Nay, mark it, numbering from the beginning. A first step is, not to begin with injustice: a second, after he has begun, to vindicate one’s self by equal retaliation; a third, not to do to him that is vexing us the same that you have suffered, but to be quiet; a fourth, even to give one’s self up to suffer wrongfully; a fifth, to give up yet more than the other, who did the wrong, wishes; a sixth, not to hate him who has done so; a seventh, even to love him; an eighth, to do him good also; a ninth, to entreat God Himself on his behalf. See what height of self-command?”
It is a self-control, a subjugation of our own desires, so complete as to be nearly impossible. For this reason Chrysostom argued the reward is also the greatest – that we may become like our Father in heaven. Therein lies the clue. For we are already beloved children of God, so the desire to pray for enemies is one that will increasingly align with God’s will.
