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February 29
“For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers and sisters, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the gentiles do the same? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” – Matthew 5:46-48, NRSVUE
In the rural North Carolina town where I grew up 30 years ago, local politics were heated. Even though virtually every voter in the area was a registered Democrat, there were, in practice, two rival political parties
in each local contest: Blacks and whites. In a very real way, among white people in my hometown, Black people were not just “othered,” they were the political enemy.
In the verses immediately preceding our scripture passage for today, Jesus bluntly told his mountainside audience that they were to love their enemies. These subsequent rhetorical questions that we read today only emphasize the point that if we truly wish to be faithful, we must love the people whom we would prefer not to love. Our goal, according to Jesus, should be relational perfection, loving everyone—especially those with whom we would rather not be in relationship at all.
While we can readily recognize the reprehensibility of white peoples’ protection of white power, those of us who were entrenched in the system had no problem reconciling our racism with our Christian faith. Therefore, we must read Jesus’ words, not just as a sweet reminder to love others, but as a call for us today to examine whom we treat as unworthy of love so that we can repent and truly love all God’s children.
PRAYER: O God, we know that to you all of us are beloved children. Help us to always strive to love as you do so that we see all of humanity as beloved children of God, just like you. Amen.
Brian Harrington
Georgetown Baptist Church
Georgetown, Kentucky
Love, Justice & Relationships
The 2024 Emmanuel McCall Lenten Devotional series is prepared by Cooperative Baptist Fellowship family and friends for the season of Lent. The McCall Lenten series features wonderful reflections on God’s Word, thought-provoking questions, prayers, art, music, noteworthy information and resources for action. Available in English and Spanish, this Lenten resource is intended for use by individuals, small groups and congregations.
Join us as we journey together through Lent reflecting on these devotions and their calls to pursue justice for all of God’s people.
This passage is originally found in the 2024 Emmanuel McCall Lenten Devotional series, prepared by Cooperative Baptist Fellowship family and friends. It is a project of love that is designed to be read during the season of Lent, which begins February 14, 2024. Register to receive the daily devotional here.