[Ascend] - Day 18

“Love Deeply” 

Read:

Matthew 5:43-48

43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. 46 For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? 47 And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? 48 You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

Reflection:

Going deeper is loving beyond our boundaries. Jesus challenges us to a radical, transformative love that extends beyond our comfort zones. He calls us to love not just our neighbors, but also our enemies. This is not simply about changing our behavior. It’s about changing our hearts. It’s about allowing the Holy Spirit to so permeate our lives that we start to see people not as our enemies, but as individuals deeply loved by God. When we pray for those who persecute us, we align our hearts with God’s heart. We start to see people as God sees them, not as enemies to be defeated, but as lost souls in need of His saving grace, much like our very own selves. 

Pray:

Lord, fill us with more of your love, that Your love will overflow into our families, workplaces, schools, our conversations and our church.

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