TODAY'S BIBLE READING

MATHEW 5:44-48

⁴⁴But I tell you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,^(M)

^45[aj]To show that you are the children of your Father Who is in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the wicked and on the good, and makes the rain fall upon the upright and the wrongdoers [alike].

⁴⁶For if you love those who love you, what reward can you have? Do not even the tax collectors do that?

⁴⁷And if you greet only your brethren, what more than others are you doing? Do not even the Gentiles (the heathen) do that?

⁴⁸You, therefore, must be perfect [growing into complete ^[ak]maturity of godliness in mind and character, ^[al]having reached the proper height of virtue and integrity], as your heavenly Father is perfect.^(N)