Dave's Diary

Prayer

Before you read, I invite you to pray this prayer based on Psalm 119:31-32

Lord, help me to hold fast to Your statutes; and do not let me put myself to shame.
Broaden my understanding of Your will, and grant me the grace to run in the path of Your commands. Amen.

Briefly prepare your heart in silence, and ask the Holy Spirit to awaken your sense of anticipation that God is about to speak to you through His Word.

Reading

Matthew 5:43-48

The command to love one’s neighbour was not a new or revolutionary command introduced by Jesus. So when Jesus says, “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbour,’” He was quoting Leviticus 19:18 directly. God had always expected His people to love even those who despised them.

However, there is no equivalent Old Testament commandment for people to hate their enemies. When Jesus says, “You have heard that it was said, ‘… hate your enemy,’” He is either quoting a Pharisaic addition or just a popular interpretation of the Law. This had never been God’s will for His people. Sadly, though, our “default setting” as humans – the sinful tendency that grips us – is to despise or even hate those who are against us.

God’s heart for His people was never that they should hate their enemies. In fact, Proverbs 25:21 is an example of an Old Testament call to be kind to one’s enemies: “If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink.” He longed for His people to overcome evil with good and hatred with love.

Certainly, this way of living reflects the absolutely undeserved kindness and grace which God Himself shows to us. This is what verses 45-47 reveal. In His kindness, mercy and grace, God sends sunshine and rain on everyone – not only on those who love Him.

Jesus leaves us in no doubt that He calls His disciples reflect the heart of God and to extend kindness, mercy and grace even to those who oppose us or despise us (our “enemies”). He even calls us to pray for them. And it’s worth noting that this is exactly what Jesus did in His own prayer, “Father forgive them!”

Contemplation

Please take time to ponder what Jesus has commanded us. Turn one or more of these declarations over in your mind. Keep them in mind throughout the day and live in step with Your King, Jesus.

As a disciple of Jesus Christ:

• I will love others as my Lord has loved me;
• I will pray God’s blessing on those who oppose me;
• I will extend kindness, mercy and grace, even to those who despise me.

Holy Spirit of Love, empower me to love others as You love me, to be gracious as You are gracious to me, and to be kind to everyone I meet. Amen.