Matthew 5:43-48 | Philippians 2:1-4
This sermon on the mountain is something, eh? It’s almost as if Jesus really expects those who want to follow his teaching to be different. (Wait until we get to the conclusion!)
Jesus is clearly focusing us on “the other.” Many efforts of Christians in the last decades have been too narrow to the detriment of Christ’s Kingdom and gospel - focusing on the family or the local church itself. Of course we should love one another within these small circles! But Jesus’ eyes go beyond such things - “Show love to everyone.”
This is the complete gospel.
Matthew 5:43-48
“You have heard that it was said, You must love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who harass you so that you will be acting as children of your Father who is in heaven. He makes the sun rise on both the evil and the good and sends rain on both the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love only those who love you, what reward do you have? Don’t even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers and sisters, what more are you doing? Don’t even the Gentiles do the same? Therefore, just as your heavenly Father is complete in showing love to everyone, so also you must be complete.”
Philippians 2:1-4
Therefore, if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort in love, any sharing in the Spirit, any sympathy, complete my joy by thinking the same way, having the same love, being united, and agreeing with each other. Don’t do anything for selfish purposes, but with humility think of others as better than yourselves. Instead of each person watching out for their own good, watch out for what is better for others.
Prayer
God, help me to love
beyond my preferences,
beyond those who satisfy me,
beyond those who make me feel good,
beyond my family,
beyond those who benefit me,
beyond those who look like me,
talk like me,
think like me.
Help me to love those against me,
just like Jesus.
By your Spirit & in Christ, Amen.