Picture-Perfect Day Until

The sun is shining, no clouds in the sky, birds singing, all is well with you and the Lord and your family—life is good. But clouds move in, sprinkles fall, and rain pours. Sometimes, such is life; all is well one moment, and the next, darkness overshadows you. Sunshine and rain are gifts from God for creation’s good, but sometimes someone rains on your sunshiny day. Jesus taught His disciples to love, bless, and do good to those who mistreat them—AND pray for their abusers. The reason why? He said, “That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for He maketh His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sendeth rain on the just and the unjust” (Matthew 5:45).

We show ourselves as children of God’s family when we imitate our heavenly Father, treating those who despitefully use us with love just as He loved us when we are at odds with Him. While we were yet sinners, God showed His love for the world by Jesus taking our place on the cross and dying, making atonement for the world’s sins (Romans 5:8–10). Jesus asked what reward was there in loving and being kind only to people who treat you well; even the heathen act kindly towards friendly people. God holds Christians to a higher standard, expecting His children to obey His command to love as He loves; to strive for perfection in grace and holiness—God-likeness—because He is holy (1 Peter 1:15–16; Leviticus 11:45).