PRAYER

As we rejoice in the gift of this day, so may the light of Your presence, O God, set our hearts on fire with love for You now and forever.

READING

Matthew 5: 43-48 (NLT)

⁴³ “You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy. ⁴⁴ But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! ⁴⁵ In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike.⁴⁶ If you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that? Even corrupt tax collectors do that much.⁴⁷ If you are kind only to your friends, how are you different from anyone else? Even pagans do that.⁴⁸ But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect.

REFLECT

Have you ever heard of an echo chamber? By participating in an echo chamber, people are able to seek out information that reinforces their existing views without encountering opposing views. It happens on social media all the time. This can create an us/them division which can lead to a "with me" or "against me" ideology. This is where hatred can find root. In the Scripture reading today, we are challenged not only to love our enemies but pray for them. This is an incredibly hard task to do, but with the Holy Spirit's help, we can do it.

Praying for our enemies will change our heart. We may become softer, more tolerant toward our enemies. Praying for and loving your enemy doesn't necessarily mean you will become friends, but instead, your heart will let go of the anger, bitterness and resentment that can cause harm to yourself and to your relationships. Letting go of these emotions makes room for compassion, understanding, unity and peace. Since our goal is to become more Christ-like, let us love our enemies by first praying for them.

LENT CHECK IN

Consider reviewing your subscriptions and followers on social media that might be creating an echo chamber. Evaluate possible bias toward issues.

10 Tips for Life's Greatest Challenge: Love Thy Enemy