Read: Matthew 5:43–48

43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47 And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”

The God Who Loves Everyone

Among the most precious rights Americans enjoy is the freedom of religion, guaranteed by the First Amendment to our Constitution. For most of human history, kings and emperors have demanded that their subjects adopt the religion of the realm, often on pain of death. But God does not force people to obey him. He invites our worship, but allows us to walk away. Jesus taught that God continues to love those who reject him. He continues to shower them (literally) with his blessings. He calls us to do the same. Accordingly, we seek religious freedom not just for ourselves, but for believers of all faiths and none — just as we would want them to do for us. When you suffer for your faith, ask God to help you to remain gracious and faithful. One day every knee will bow and confess that Jesus is Lord. Our calling is to love others and point them to Jesus through the clarity of our witness and the fragrance of our lives.

Prayer

Loving Father, thank you for the blessings of religious freedom. Guide our
leaders to protect this basic human right for all people. Sustain those who suffer persecution. May the light and love of Christ shine brightly through our words and our lives. Amen.

This article is part of “Following the God Who Transforms,” a 10-day devotional designed to refresh and encourage believers in who God is and his heart for our nation and world. Go to the next day’s reading.

Galen Carey

Galen Carey, NAE vice president of government relations, is responsible for representing the NAE before Congress, the White House and the courts. He works to advance the approach and principles of the NAE document, “For the Health of the Nation.” He is also co-author with Leith Anderson of “Faith in the Voting Booth.” Before joining the NAE staff, Carey was a longtime employee of World Relief, the relief and development arm of the NAE, serving in Croatia, Mozambique, Kenya, Indonesia and Burundi. He received an M.Div. from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, and a Doctor of Ministry from McCormick Theological Seminary.