Matthew 5:45
For he makes his sun to rise on the evil and the good and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.
Dear Heavenly Father,
You demonstrate Your love and mercy to all people by blessing all people, even those who hate You. Through Your love, You make Your sun to shine for everyone. When the rains come, it does not only go to those who believe in You but also those who do not. But this verse is more than just sun and rain; Jesus said this regarding those who are our enemies.
You demonstrated this by establishing Your plan of salvation for Your enemies—us. You sent your Son to suffer and die for all people, for those who look in the mirror, then realize and know their sin, and for those who do not see any flaws in themselves. You shine on all of us. You shower all with Your blessing of forgiveness for those who try to make themselves righteous in their own eyes and those who know they are entirely undeserving of Your gifts. Your Son brought forgiveness for all, but as Jesus also said, “He did not come for the healthy but the sick who need a doctor.”
Lord, Your compassion and love go out to all who love and hate You, and You sent Your Son to suffer and die for everyone’s sins. However, Your mercy is only delivered to those who realize their sinful nature. As believers, we see how our sins condemn us, and we can do nothing to save ourselves. Therefore, place that mirror in front of us today so we realize our sins and run to Jesus for his forgiveness. Prepare our hearts today with faith that trusts in Your love and mercy; through faith, we will receive complete pardon for all our sins. Additionally, we will receive Your lasting peace, which restores us to You through faith in Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection.
Lord, you make the sun to shine and the rain to fall for all people. We ask that You allow us to share this good news of Your love with those who are still Your enemies. And, should You see fit, also allow us to share it with someone hostile towards us so they can know Your love and mercy and receive a full pardon for all their sins. Amen.
Written through Pastor Roger Emmons
God’s love, mercy, and forgiveness he delivers to you through faith in His Son, your Savior. Recognize your sins and trust in His forgiveness.