Spontaneous Flow of Gods Love: 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 causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46) For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? 47) If you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? 48) Therefore you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” Matthew 5:43-48
The primary place where your salt is tasty and your light shines is in your relationship with people. Jesus made it clear that those who know Him will be distinguished by their love. (John 13:34-35; 15:12-13).
This love is to be directed toward all people. It is for friend and foe, it is for the good and the bad, it is for the righteous and the unrighteous. That’s a huge call! Some people are hard to love.
This unconditional love is characterized by our Heavenly Father. He causes His sun to shine on the evil and the good. He sends His rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. In this respect all people share in His general grace and goodness.
So His people should reflect this quality. We should treat all people with love, dignity and respect. The love should overflow as much to strangers as to friends.
I have found this principle to be powerful and profound. I try to greet all people who cross my path with an eye contact and a smile. I also like to share uplifting words of encouragement. People carry so much doom and gloom today. A cheerful smile overflowing from a heart of sincere joy is like a ray of sun light breaking through storm clouds.
This also means we should listen to the Holy Spirit and be prepared to do good to strangers. I believe Divine Providence governs the people who come across my path. I also believe a stranger can be a best friend I have not yet met. There should be a natural and spontaneous flow of Gods love from us to the people around us.
Think of the short prayer of Jabez mentioned in 1 Chronicles 4:9-10. How does God expand our boarders? Is it not through relationships with more people? How we treat people, especially strangers is where our salt becomes tasty and our light shines. Don’t hide your love for Jesus, let it shine!
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
