New? February 8 Devotional
February 08, 2025
MATTHEW 5:44-45 | 44 But I say to you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 so that you may be children of your Father in heaven, for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good and sends rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous.
Persecution can also bless us and others when we respond in a Godly way. It can be a powerful opportunity for a witness, a chance to demonstrate love, forgiveness, and grace. Choosing not to retaliate, for instance, breaks the world’s patterns of reciprocal harm and enmity. This provides a window into God’s character. His righteousness responds to our unrighteousness with love, sacrifice, and forgiveness. Just as Jesus forgave His enemies, we can do so with those who line up against us. This counter-cultural behavior opens eyes and hearts to the reality of God’s presence and the power of His love.
Forgive someone who wrongs, corrects, or criticizes you this week.
Gracious God,
Restrain in me the tendency to hit back, criticize back, and fight back. Help me forgive, rather than retaliating.
Amen.
