Day 9

Matthew 5:43-48

43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 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. 46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47 And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect."

Father, I thank you for the love and grace you have shown us, so much so that you welcome us into your family. I ask that you would help us to love those who it is natually hard for us to love. I ask that you would give us your heart of grace and compassion towards everyone we interact with. Let our words, actions and reactions be filled with patience and self-control, and rid us of our pride and self-righteousness. Help us to truly live lives that are set apart from the world and may they know we belong to You by our love for one another. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

- Randa Gaskins