Perfect Love

Devotional Title: “Perfect Love”
Scripture: Matthew 5:43–48 (NIV)

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven… Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”
(Matthew 5:43–45, 48)

Reflection:

Jesus' words in this passage flip everything we assume about love and justice. While the world says to love those who love you and to fight those who oppose you, Jesus calls us to a radically different way—to love even our enemies.

Why? Because this is the heart of the Father.

God doesn’t reserve His goodness for the deserving. The sun rises on both the evil and the good. Rain falls on both the just and the unjust. That’s divine love—unconditional, gracious, and scandalously inclusive.

To "be perfect" in verse 48 isn’t about moral flawlessness but about maturity and completeness in love. Jesus calls us to grow into a love that mirrors God’s love—a love not based on merit but grounded in grace.

Now this is important, loving enemies doesn’t mean approving of wrongdoing or excusing harm. This is where too many christians have gone. In fact, often, love looks like doing the hard thing. Jesus does not affirm the sinners He hangs out with, He calls them to go and sin no more. Yet, every interaction, every word, every thought, every motivation was out of love.

To love like Jesus is calling us to love means refusing to let hatred rule our hearts. It means praying for those who hurt us, not out of obligation but as a reflection of God's mercy working in us.

This kind of love is impossible in our own strength. But with God's Spirit working in us, it becomes not only possible—it becomes the mark of true discipleship.

Application:

Who is difficult for you to love right now? Ask God to help you pray for them daily.

Look for one practical way to show unexpected kindness this week to someone you might otherwise avoid.

Meditate on how God's love for you was never based on your goodness. May this truth help you in your endeavor to love like Jesus.

Prayer:

Father, Your love knows no bounds. Thank You for loving me when I was still Your enemy. Teach me to love as You love—not just those who are easy to love, but also those who challenge, hurt, or oppose me. Grow in me a heart that reflects Yours. Make me perfect in love, just as You are. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Love you guys!

Pastor Jeret