posted
I am constantly amazed at the simplicity of the gospel and yet the deep, rich, full-bodied message and how each verse builds upon and yet relies upon another.
Just sit quietly and think about the verse below. What does it say about God's character? I've listed a few things that came to my mind. Can you think of others?
Matthew 5:44-45 (English Standard Version)
44... Love your enemies and(CA) pray for those who persecute you, 45(CB) so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and(CC) sends rain on the just and on the unjust.
CA. Matthew 5:44 : Luke 23:34; Acts 7:60; 2 Tim 4:16; 1 Pet 3:9 CB. Matthew 5:45 : Luke 6:35; Eph 5:1; Phil 2:15 CC. Matthew 5:45 : Acts 14:17
What does this passage say about God's character? Here are some of my thoughts.
God is no respecter of persons. We do not earn the good that God bestows upon us.
No one deserves what God freely gives. God is not obligated to supply all our needs but does so freely showing His beneficence.
God loves His enemies in the same way He loves His friends. Of course He does not love unrighteousness and yearns to win the hearts of the rebellious.
God's character teaches us that we should never think to ourselves that God favors us in any way. What is true is that we fail to meet His favor and it is the sweet aroma from the Son that makes our petitions acceptable to God.
God teaches us by example that we should not withhold good from those who oppose us. We should love our neighbors unconditionally as God loves. We should not be driven by our feelings--generous when someone pleases us and withholding when we feel slighted.
Email this page to someone.
