Reflect
What does Matthew 5:48 mean when Jesus tells us to “be perfect, as your Father in Heaven is perfect”? It sounds daunting, unattainable even. Who can live up to that? And yet, if we look at the context, we realize Jesus isn’t talking about freedom from error or mistakes (even sin) but freedom from judgment, and freedom from hatred. His model of perfection is the love of God which shines on the good and the bad, the just and the unjust, friend and enemy…
Pray
Heavenly Father,
Open my heart to the brokenness of those
who cause me pain, of those who make me
uncomfortable, and of those who frighten me.
Bless those who are in power, those who enforce
laws and those charged with protecting the peace;
guide them by Your love.
Open my heart to this truth: Every face I see
whether friend or enemy, stranger or family,
wherever I look, whomever I see,
it is Your love looking back at me.
Act
Set aside time today to do an examination of your day. Who did you see? Who did you help? Who did you bless? Was there anyone you avoided or neglected? A stranger in need? An annoying coworker? A hard conversation? Where did you encounter Christ? Where did you avoid the risk of His love? What is one thing you can do differently tomorrow to embody the Love of God?
