The Family Business

Matthew 5:43-48
“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 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. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” -Jesus

Jesus calls us to be perfect in love. 

What does that mean?

At our church, our minister Didi challenges us to be a part of the family business—as he reminds us, the family business is to love God and love people. Sounds simple until life gets in the way. It’s easy to love the people who agree with me or act like me, or like the same things I do, but it’s not enough to love those who are similar to me. God calls me to love all people.

My mom used to say, “You won’t like everyone, but you need to love everyone.” She was right. I don’t like everyone, but I can pour God’s love on them through my words and actions. I want to love like Jesus. He showed love to his enemies even though he knew they would kill him.

Our world needs more love than hate, and it’s up to me to show love to the people I meet. In my little corner of the world, I pray I can pour out our Father’s love and share the spark of hope I have in Jesus.

How about you? Will you shine love on folks, even when (fill in the blank?)

Let’s pray and love others together.