For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.  They have no struggles; their bodies are healthy and strong…This is what the wicked are like — always free of care, they go on amassing wealth.
Psalm 73:3-4, 12

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 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. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
Matthew 5:43-48

The Lord examines the righteous,
but the wicked, those who love violence,
he hates with a passion.
Psalm 11:5

The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous,
and his ears are attentive to their cry; but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil,
to blot out their name from the earth.
Psalm 34:15-16

But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 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.
Matthew 5:44-45

Being children of God means loving like God.

While we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son
Romans 5:10 

Bottom Line

Living in the way of Jesus involves loving like God loves.

Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
Matthew 5:48 

Love is not just the litmus test of being a disciple, but it’s also how we are to give witness to Jesus in the world.

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
John 13:34-35

Action Steps

Pray — create some space with Jesus to pray through the following:

• Who do I have a hard time loving and why?
• Where is there hatred or hardness in my heart toward others?  
• What might Jesus want to say to that hardness of heart?
• How is Jesus inviting you to love like He loves?
• What’s your witness like these days?  
  

Practice

Love and pray for a difficult person in your life. Then create space to reflect and journal about it:

• What changes happened in you?
• Where did you notice God at work?
• Did you notice any changes in them?
• Did you notice any changes in the relationship?