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Home Matthew 5:43-48 NRSVue

Matthew 5:43-48 NRSVue

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

New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition (NRSVUE)

“Copyright © 2021 National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.”

Reflection on Matthew 5:43-48

Inspiration from 2026-02-28 Daily Prayer

God’s love does not discriminate and does not have to be earned. It comes to us unconditionally. If we can allow that fact to flow over us, we may well find that the better side of our nature begins to figure more prominently in how we interact with others.

Further reflection

There are times, Lord, when you lift us beyond what we thought possible. Here you ask me to be perfect: meaning that in my heart I should bless even those who hate me and wrong me. The love of God can be poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit who is given to us. Even when I feel far from blessed myself, even when old age makes me feel there is little I can do for others, I can still give my approval and blessing to those I meet; that will lift them.

As I think of those whose love I return, I thank God for them and for the blessings we share.

As I pray for those who bring blessings to me, I pray that I may include others in a widening circle of compassion.

If being like God seems too ambitious, I recall that Jesus wants nothing less for me. He calls me to the fullness of life.

Inspired by the words of Jesus, I bring to mind those people I have learnt to distrust. I place them before God. If I can, I ask God to bless them; if I cannot, I ask for the grace I need to wish them well.