Divine Imperatives September 27 Devotional
by David Joynt on September 27, 2023
Stress Test Devotional May 4
May 04, 2024
MATTHEW 5:46 | 46 For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same?
Notice that Jesus makes the idea of being “children of the heavenly Father,” partially contingent. He stretches the category to include non-Jews by referencing God’s care for everyone in providing light and rain. But He uses “children” in a different sense also, the sense of family likeness. God has created us so we are His children in a biological sense. But just as in a human family, we can be related physically but not share the same characteristic attitudes. To be children who resemble God, we must display His generosity, compassion, and care.
Jesus hits hard in this verse. Tax collectors are morally repugnant to Pharisees, yet even people they consider morally inferior, love those who return their love.
Love with friends and family is important, partly because it is in close mutual relationships we can practice a love that can be broader and harder to develop. Do you agree?
Gracious God,
I want to grow as a person who loves. Help me love more deeply and more broadly.
Amen.
