Sermon Devotional: Love Difficult People - Matthew 5:43-48
In a world that often tells us to stand against those who oppose us, Jesus offers a challenging and transformative command: love your enemies.
When we first began racing, I had no mechanical knowledge—but thankfully, I didn’t need much yet. My role was to encourage Eli and help him focus on the fundamentals of driving. However, as he moved into more competitive classes, I quickly realized success required more than driving skill—it depended heavily on car setup. This began my steep learning curve into tire pressures, weight distribution, and ride height adjustments. I discovered how small tweaks, like turning a knob on a shock, could drastically impact performance.
Competing against top racers, I saw how minor imperfections created major challenges. During one race, Eli’s car struggled as the inside wheel lifted off the ground, forcing a mid-race adjustment. The fix improved performance, but it reminded me how even small flaws could derail success. This parallel extends to life: no matter how much effort we put in, one missing piece can hold us back.
In Matthew 5:48, Jesus calls us to “be perfect, as your Heavenly Father is perfect.” This isn’t about flawless performance but about extraordinary love—loving neighbors and enemies alike. Just as a car can’t perform without proper adjustments, faith is incomplete without a love that mirrors Christ’s. Such love transforms relationships and reflects God’s purpose, calling us to live “wildly out of the ordinary.”
Things to think about
How does the concept of perfection as described in Matthew 5:48 challenge your understanding of faith and how you live it out daily?
What does loving your enemies and praying for those who persecute you look like in your life?
In what ways is your faith extraordinary and out of the ordinary?
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