Matthew 5:46

"that you may be children of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the just and the unjust."

Key Reflection

This verse encourages us to emulate our heavenly Father by extending grace and goodness to all, even those who may not deserve it. Just as God provides for both the righteous and the wicked through his sun and rain, so too should we extend kindness without discrimination, reflecting his loving nature.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Verse 46. What reward have ye?, The word reward seems to be used in the sense of deserving of praise, or reward. If you only love those that love you, you are selfish, you are not disinterested; it is not genuine love for the character, but love for the benefit; and you deserve no commendation. The very publicans would do the same. The Publicans, The publicans were tax gatherers. Judea was a province of the Roman empire. The Jews bore this foreign yoke with great impatience, and paid their taxes with great reluctance. It happened, therefore, that those who were appointed to collect taxes were objects of great detestation.

More from Matthew 5

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