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Matthew 5:46 (BSB)
If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Do not even tax collectors do the same?
THE HOLY BIBLE
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Scripture quotations (main text) are from the Berean Study Bible (BSB), © 2016, 2018 by Bible Hub. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), ©2001 by Crossway, is used for comparison and word study only.
Bible Copyright & Permissions“If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Do not even tax collectors do the same?” — Matthew 5:46
Alright, let’s shine a spotlight on this moment! When you read these words, imagine standing in a crowd, and someone challenges you: if you only show love to those who love you back, what’s so special about that? It’s like saying, ‘Hey, even those people you might not like—like tax collectors, who were often seen as dishonest—do the same thing!’ You can almost feel the tension in the air as this question hangs there, pushing you to think deeper about love and kindness. This moment invites you to expand your heart and think about who you’re really loving. It’s a call to something bigger and richer than just returning the favor. It’s about breaking out of the bubble of easy love and embracing a love that’s radical and transformative!
This book was written by Matthew, one of Jesus’ disciples. Matthew had a unique perspective because he was a former tax collector himself! He knew all too well how people viewed tax collectors as traitors and outcasts. By highlighting this specific detail, Matthew is sharing a personal insight into how Jesus flipped the script on love and acceptance. He’s not just sharing a nice idea; he’s sharing life-changing wisdom that he experienced firsthand. His goal? To show you that everyone matters, even those you might dismiss or judge. It’s like he’s saying, ‘I’ve walked that road, and I know where it leads—let’s choose a different path together!’
When Matthew wrote this, the world was buzzing with tension. The Roman Empire was in control, and tax collectors were often seen as corrupt, exploiting their own people for profit. The social norms of the day made it easy to stick with your own kind and ignore others. This context is crucial because Jesus’ message stands out like a beacon of light in a dark place. He’s not just teaching good manners; He’s challenging a whole way of life that favored the comfortable and the familiar. Understanding the societal backdrop helps you grasp how radical and revolutionary Jesus’ call to love really was—it was about shaking up the status quo and inviting everyone into a new way of living.
So, why does this matter for you today? This verse hits home because it challenges you to think about how you love. It’s easy to love your friends and family; they make it easy to feel good. But what about the people who annoy you or those on the outskirts of your social circle? This verse pushes you to step outside your comfort zone and show kindness and love to everyone, even those who don’t return it. It’s a powerful reminder that love isn’t just about feelings; it’s an action that can change lives—including your own. By practicing this kind of love, you become part of something much bigger—an inclusive community that reflects true compassion.
Here’s a simple step you can take this week: think of someone in your life who might be hard to love—maybe a co-worker you clash with or a neighbor who doesn’t quite fit in. Make a plan to show them kindness. It could be as small as smiling at them or saying something nice, or even offering help with something they struggle with. The goal here is to consciously break down those barriers and extend your love beyond what feels comfortable. It’s all about taking action! You’ll be amazed at how even the smallest gesture can begin to shift your perspective and create connections in unexpected ways.
Now, let’s zoom out a bit. This verse is nestled in a larger teaching where the speaker—Jesus—shares what it means to live a life filled with love that goes beyond the ordinary. Just before this, He talks about how to treat others, even your enemies! So, when He drops this statement about tax collectors, it’s a pivotal moment. It’s almost like an invitation to recognize that true goodness isn’t about doing what everyone else does but about stepping up your game. By contrasting the love you give with the love of those considered ‘sinners,’ He’s urging you to think about what it truly means to be a part of a loving community. After this, He continues to challenge you to be perfect in love, just as the divine is. It’s a powerful progression that asks you to rethink your entire approach to relationships.
Take a moment to reflect on this: Who in your life is the hardest to love, and what’s one small act of kindness you could offer them this week? Think about how this could change your view of them and your own heart.
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