Someone asked an associate of author Max Lucado, “What Biblical precedent do we have to help the poor who have no desire to become Christians?” His friend responded with one word: “God. He does it daily for millions of people.”[1] Yes, God gives generously to all, whether or not those He blesses respond to His free gift of eternal life. Jesus tells us in Matthew chapter 5 that God “causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.”

But Jesus goes one step further and tells us that we’re not only to do good to everyone but we’re to single out our enemies for special treatment. Oh, not for retaliation or revenge but to love them and pray for them. It’s one thing to be kind to people who are kind to us.  But our enemies?

In Matthew 5 Jesus says, “But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” And then He tells us why— “that you may be children of your Father in heaven.” That means that when you love and pray for your enemies, you are being like your Father in heaven.

Yes, God loves the entire world—even his enemies who oppose Him. He wants us to follow His example and care about all those around us—righteous or unrighteous, poor or rich, our enemies as well as our friends—because that’s what our Father in Heaven does. Romans 12:20-21 says, “”If your enemies are hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink….. Don’t let evil conquer you but conquer evil by doing good.” That will keep all of us busy today!

[1] Max Lucado, Grace for the Moment (Nashville, Countryman, a division of Thomas Nelson Inc., 2000) February 26.