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 5:46-48 NIV)
A family member couldn’t agree more. Her life motto is “If I repay evil with evil, then I’d be acting like most people.” She is an inspiration to the rest of us who often feel like treating others the way they treat us. But if we want to be recognized as God’s sons and daughters, we have to do what Jesus instructed us to do in Matthew 5:43-48 – love our enemies and pray for those who wrong us. It’s not easy, but with His help it’s doable. Only then will the world recognize us as sons and daughters of God, who “causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous” (v. 45).
As God’s children, we’re to reflect our Father.
Rising with the Son 