As followers of Christ, we are often called to reflect upon the depth of our love—both for God and for our fellow man. In Matthew 5:46-47, Jesus poses a challenging question that pierces through the complacency of our affections: "For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so?"

At the heart of these verses lies a profound truth about the nature of love. It is easy, perhaps even instinctive, to love those who love us in return. We gravitate toward relationships that provide affirmation, kindness, and reciprocal gestures. This comfort, however, is often the realm of the ordinary—charity typical of unbelievers, like the publicans whom Jesus refers to, who were often despised for their collusion with the Roman Empire. In extending love only to those who reciprocate, we fall short of embodying the extraordinary, radical love that Jesus demonstrated throughout His life and ministry.

Let us unpack what Jesus is asking of us. When He challenges us on the basis of our love and greetings, He invites us to reflect on our motivations. Are our friendly greetings and expressions of love reserved solely for our inner circles? Do we find it difficult to reach across the aisles of division, or to extend love beyond our comfort zones? This is a stark reminder that the essence of our faith is not solely found in rituals, but actively expressed through our relationships.

Christ’s love is unconditional; it reaches out to the lost, the broken, and the marginalized. He loved those who rejected Him, forgave those who crucified Him, and showed compassion to the undeserving. As imitators of Christ, we are called to that same standard. By loving only those who love us back, we rob ourselves of the opportunity to embody the very love that can change hearts, mend tears, and heal wounds.

To comprehend the magnitude of this call, consider the implications of embracing a broader, more inclusive love. Loving unconditionally can be exceedingly challenging. It requires a deeper understanding of grace, patience, gentle rebuke when necessary, and ultimately, selflessness. When we expand our love to include those who may not return it or who may harbor animosity toward us, we not only follow Christ’s example but also open ourselves to a transformative experience within our own hearts.

"What reward have ye?"—this rhetorical question also compels us to contemplate the nature of our rewards. The act of loving those who are difficult to love or extending kindness to the unkind is a reflection of our spiritual maturity. It creates a reward that is immeasurable: the joy of God’s presence, the peace that transcends understanding, and the fulfillment that comes from being vessels of dignity and respect to all God’s creation.

Furthermore, the love Jesus talks about is not blind acceptance or ignoring wrongs; it is the love of reconciliation. It challenges us to step beyond societal boundaries and prejudices. It inspires action towards justice, peace-making, and mercy—issues relevant in our world today. As we engage with this challenge, it can cause us to question biases, stereotypes, and prejudices that may have found a home in our hearts.

Let us pray today, asking the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with God’s love and to open our eyes to see the other and their needs. May we become agents of that love that does not keep a tally of returns and is not shaken by disbelief. In doing so, we truly reflect the character of Christ, fulfilling His call to love as He loves, lifting one another up in grace and compassion, thus making a real difference in our world.

In summary, let’s not settle for love that is merely transactional. Let’s strive for the love that is transformational—the love that mirrors that of Christ, breaking down barriers and stretching into every corner, reaching others as He reached us.