Reflect the Father
“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. For he causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.” – Matthew 5:44-45
When Jesus tells us to love our enemies and pray for our persecutors, He adds a reason that might catch us off guard. He says we should do this so we may be children of our Father in heaven. He is not saying our love earns us a place in God's family, but rather that our love reflects who our Father is.
In Jewish culture, people often described character traits using phrases like "son of peace" or "daughter of kindness." It meant you were marked by that quality. So when Jesus says we love like this “so that we may be children of your Father,” He’s saying we are never more like our Father than when we love people who don’t love us back.
This is not a call to earn God’s approval. It’s a reminder that we already belong to Him. Because we are His, we reflect His character. And that character is stunning. God gives sunlight and rain to both the righteous and the wicked. His goodness is not reserved only for those who treat Him well. He offers it freely, even to those who ignore or oppose Him.
That’s the kind of love we’re called to show. A love that doesn’t discriminate. A love that doesn’t wait for an apology. A love that blesses when others curse and forgives when it is least deserved.
Jesus was not giving us a suggestion. He was giving us a picture of what it looks like to live as true children of the King. We reflect the Father when we love the way He does.
Can you think of someone who doesn’t deserve your love? Someone who has mistreated you or turned their back on you? That is the perfect opportunity to be like your Father. Extend grace. Choose love. Reflect Him.
When Jesus tells us to love our enemies and pray for our persecutors, He adds a reason that might catch us off guard. He says we should do this so we may be children of our Father in heaven. He is not saying our love earns us a place in God's family, but rather that our love reflects who our Father is.
In Jewish culture, people often described character traits using phrases like "son of peace" or "daughter of kindness." It meant you were marked by that quality. So when Jesus says we love like this “so that we may be children of your Father,” He’s saying we are never more like our Father than when we love people who don’t love us back.
This is not a call to earn God’s approval. It’s a reminder that we already belong to Him. Because we are His, we reflect His character. And that character is stunning. God gives sunlight and rain to both the righteous and the wicked. His goodness is not reserved only for those who treat Him well. He offers it freely, even to those who ignore or oppose Him.
That’s the kind of love we’re called to show. A love that doesn’t discriminate. A love that doesn’t wait for an apology. A love that blesses when others curse and forgives when it is least deserved.
Jesus was not giving us a suggestion. He was giving us a picture of what it looks like to live as true children of the King. We reflect the Father when we love the way He does.
Can you think of someone who doesn’t deserve your love? Someone who has mistreated you or turned their back on you? That is the perfect opportunity to be like your Father. Extend grace. Choose love. Reflect Him.
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