Our scripture this morning is Matthew 5:43-48.
You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so 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. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers and sisters, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
Jesus tells us in no uncertain terms that we are to love each other, no matter what. It is what God does and He wants His children to do the same. Jesus teaches that loving one another is part of loving God.
We have to ask ourselves what that actually means – is it always being nice to everyone, never disagreeing? We keep our children from playing with matches and running in the street to protect them, even though it may make them unhappy. God Himself sends discipline and correction when we stray.
Loving one another doesn’t mean just letting people do whatever they want. God has given us the responsibility to watch over each other in love, and sometimes that is difficult. If we truly want to love each other as God loves us, we must be willing to do what is right even when it is not easy.
Gracious God, we are humbled that You call us to be part of Your plan and share Your love with the world. May we go in Your name to care for Your creation. Amen.