Divine Imperatives September 25 Devotional
by David Joynt on September 25, 2023
Stress Test Devotional May 4
May 04, 2024
MATTHEW 5:44 | 44 But I say to you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.
In a divided and divisive world, this is the most challenging of all Jesus’ commands. It destroys the myth that holiness and goodness are easily attainable, common features of “good people.” It revolutionizes the way we should approach human relationships, moving beyond the quid pro quo, the reciprocal regard, and toward a form of love that exists beyond the taint of self-interest. Agape appears as the goal and motive and power of the disciples life. There is the mutual love of friends, or philia. There is the attraction and bond of lovers, or eros. There is support and encouragement of family and partners, or storge. But agape is the unconditional commitment to the good of someone, even when they do not return our love, even when they act against us. Agape sees the other person as a loved child of God, regardless of whether they have done anything to merit our respect.
What does Jesus’ command look like in your life?
Gracious God,
Move us beyond self-interested love, toward unconditional commitment to the good of others.
Amen.
