Read Matthew 5:38-48

Thursday

Read Matthew 5:38-48

38 “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.’ ³⁹But now I tell you: do not take revenge on someone who wrongs you. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, let him slap your left cheek too. ⁴⁰And if someone takes you to court to sue you for your shirt, let him have your coat as well. ⁴¹And if one of the occupation troops forces you to carry his pack one kilometre, carry it two kilometres. ⁴²When someone asks you for something, give it to him; when someone wants to borrow something, lend it to him.

(Luke 6:27–28, 32–36)

43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your friends, hate your enemies.’ ⁴⁴But now I tell you: love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, ⁴⁵so that you may become the children of your Father in heaven. For he makes his sun to shine on bad and good people alike, and gives rain to those who do good and to those who do evil. ⁴⁶Why should God reward you if you love only the people who love you? Even the tax collectors do that! ⁴⁷And if you speak only to your friends, have you done anything out of the ordinary? Even the pagans do that! ⁴⁸You must be perfect—just as your Father in heaven is perfect!

Think

...if you speak only to your friends, have you done anything out of the ordinary?

- Matthew 5:47

How can you reach out in love this week?

Pray

Let me see strangers through the light of your eyes.