different (Matt 5:46-47)

Matthew 5:46-47

For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same?

Jesus points out that even the people that the Pharisees think of as scum (tax collectors and Gentiles) love their friends. God's people are called to be different. Christians should be known as people who love those who are different to us instead of maintaining a suspicious distance because God loves those who are different to Him  - us! Christians should be known as people who break down barriers to love others not erect barriers because God broke down the barrier of sin to love us. Christians should be known for loving those who don't like them, rather than treating their enemies the same way. Why? Because God loved his enemies - us!

“These people are acting like what the Bible says a Christian does.”