Love like Jesus

It’s so easy to love those who love us back, right? But Jesus calls us to something profoundly different in Matthew 5:46-48. He challenges us to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us. Honestly, it's one of the hardest commands to live out! I remember struggling with this deeply when confronted with unfairness at work. My first instinct was anger and resentment. But then I remembered Jesus' words, and how He prayed for those who crucified Him. It wasn't easy, but consciously choosing to pray for my colleague, asking God to bless them and give them peace, slowly began to shift my own heart. This isn't just a random rule; it’s at the very heart of what it means to live a life aligned with God. It gives our lives purpose, showing that we are children of our Father in heaven, who 'causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good.' When we extend this kind of grace, we're reflecting His divine nature. This echoes the profound query, 'what is the meaning of life?' For me, a significant part of the answer lies in actively pursuing and embodying this radical, unconditional love. Think about Jesus and Matthew, the tax collector, as detailed in Matthew 9:9. In society, Matthew was an outcast, despised for his profession and seen as a traitor. Yet, Jesus didn't just tolerate him; He called him to be a disciple, showing a radical, unconditional love that broke societal norms and prejudices. This love isn't just for our friends or those who are 'easy' to love; it's for the 'Matthews' in our lives, the ones society might look down on, or even persecute. It's a powerful reminder that everyone deserves love. This kind of love, the one that extends to our enemies and embraces outcasts, is what truly sets us apart. It’s how 'they will know we are Christians by our love.' It's not about perfect theology or flawless behavior; it's about how we treat others, especially those who can do nothing for us, or worse, those who actively harm us. Our actions become a testament to our faith, a living sermon more potent than any words. It’s through this expression of love that our faith becomes visible and impactful to the world around us. So, how do we actually do this? How do we show love to God by loving others, especially the difficult ones? As part of my personal bible study notes, I’ve found that it starts with genuine prayer. Praying for those who challenge me, genuinely asking God to bless them and soften my own heart towards them, shifts my perspective. It's also about actively seeking opportunities to extend grace, even when it feels undeserved. Maybe it’s a kind word, a helping hand, or simply a non-judgmental ear. These aren't just 'good deeds'; they are acts of worship, tangible ways we reflect God's character and show our deep love for Him. It’s a daily journey, but striving for this unconditional love, just like Jesus taught and lived, truly transforms not only the people around us but also our own hearts, enriching our understanding of life's purpose and our walk with God.