"You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy. ’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Even the tax collectors do the same, don’t they? And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than anyone else? Even the pagans do that, don’t they? Therefore be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect. ”
- Matthew 5:43-48
In this week's Brit Chadashah portion, Yeshua reminds us that living life according to God's commands should look completely different from how the world lives. Everyone greets their brother, but we are called to show kindness to those who would persecute us. It is much easier to love reciprocally than it is to show forgiveness to those without remorse. People around us should be able to see that there is something different in us and we should be ready to give all glory to our Father in heaven. His perfection is evidenced by His compassion and mercy. He sends rain and sunshine to all the Earth regardless of our righteousness. We, therefore, are called to shine Yeshua's light everywhere we go and to share living water with everyone He brings into our path.
