09.02.10 ” A dangerous way to pray”
Scripture Reading: Matthew 5:43-47
43″You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor[h] and hate your enemy.’ 44But I tell you: Love your enemies[i] and pray for those who persecute you, 45that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that?
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Reflection Questions
By the time we reach these short verses in Jesus’ sermon, we may be tempted to believe that Jesus has not only lost touch with reality but is directing us to live in a foolish and dangerous way. When we remember that Jesus himself not only had enemies but that they ultimately condemned him to his death, we are reminded that he took these words very seriously in his own life.
- Is there someone in your life with whom you find yourself in some sort of conflict?
- If anyone with whom you are in conflict with now or in your past comes to your mind, Jesus provides a specific prescription for addressing what may be a nagging concern for you. He says to pray for those who persecute you. What do you think would happen if you took Jesus’ words to heart today?
Weekly Prayer
God, we confess to you that we sometimes find it easier to love you than we do our neighbor. We struggle with forgiveness. We wrestle with letting go. We forget that grace received should always lead to grace shared. Forgive us, God, for this sin and inspire us to see our neighbor through your eyes. Thank you, God, for loving each of us in spite of these, our sins. Help us to love like you love. AMEN.
Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica, Inc.®. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.