Kidzablaze Devotions

Matthew 5:38-48

38 ``You have heard that it was said, `AN EYE FOR AN EYE, AND A TOOTH FOR A TOOTH.'

39 ``But I say to you, do not resist an evil person; but whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also.

40 ``If anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, let him have your coat also.

41 ``Whoever forces you to go one mile, go with him two.

42 ``Give to him who asks of you, and do not turn away from him who wants to borrow from you.

43 ``You have heard that it was said, `YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR and hate your enemy.'

44 ``But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,

45 so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.

46 ``For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same?

47 ``If you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same?

48 ``Therefore you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

Philippians 2:6-8

6 who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped,

7 but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men.

8 Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.

There’s much about the kingdom of heaven that doesn’t make sense to our earthly way of thinking. For example, today’s passage says, “Whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also” (v. 39). Does anyone honestly want to do that? And while we know that God loves us, we’re also aware that there’s nothing we can do to earn or deserve His love. However, we are called to extend that love to others.

There’s a lot of talk about rights these days, but instead of focusing on ourselves, why not follow the Lord’s example (Philippians 2:6-8) and lay down our rights? Then we can join Him in a cause greater than our own interests. God is pleased when we show His love to those around us—including those who do us wrong. After all, Jesus said, “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you … For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same?” (Matt. 5:44-46).

Before assuming that Jesus’ capacity for forgiveness and love is out of reach for human beings, remember that the Holy Spirit dwells in believers, helping us do what seems impossible. As a result, God’s love works through us. It’s a wonderful calling to show others the boundless care and compassion of the Lord.