Sons (and Daughters) of God

Matthew 5:43 ESV
“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven.”

Hopefully we never intentionally make enemies, but when we do find those occasional people that disdain us, we have to love them and pray for them. Jesus is speaking of a separation of those who may hate us for the stance we take on Himself.

In the first century, the Jews hated Jesus and they hated all who believed in Him as the Son of God and the long sought after Messiah. Anyone who has heard about Jesus and has refused to believe or refused to walk after Him are unaware of what they are choosing for their destiny. They are unaware of what the end will look like without Jesus in their heart.

Therefore, He said to pray for those who are persecuting us, whether they are doing it in silence or out loud. Pray that they will soon see the light before it is too late. Why are we doing this? So that we may be seen as sons and daughters of God, loving the sinner, but hating the sin.

Prayer:
Lord, I represent You in words, in deeds, in how I love and in all things. Do not let me become jaded of those who look down on me. Break my heart for those who are lost. In Your name Lord Jesus, Amen!