The Grands Letter (Matt/GLJ)

on September 28, 2025 5:14 am (CST)

Dear Grands,

Matthew 5:43-48, “You have heard that it was said, ‘YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR and hate your enemy.’

44 “But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,

45 so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.

46 “For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same?

47 “If you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same?

48 “Therefore, you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”

With the plethora of comments regarding the recent assassination of Charlie Kirk, the ire has been raised considerably against some very vocal educators who dared to publicly denounce Kirk as if he were some sort of purveyor of evil.

I never met Charlie Kirk. What I witnessed of his ministry to students, however, was nothing short of unique! What some of the students advocated, I found astoundingly idiotic. Nevertheless, each one of them was graciously received with kindness, grace, and love.

Our LORD Jesus Christ instructed His followers: “…love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you…,” whether or not their harsh, thoughtless words were intended to embarrass you and impress those standing nearby.

The love that Jesus proposed we use in such situations was wrapped in pure kindness. It offered the type of words that, in themselves, would leave all hearers wondering what manner of person would risk showering such a hostile congregation with intelligent kindness and love. May our LORD impress upon each of us how we should live and appropriately respond in love to the unkindness of others.

Heartily in Christ,

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.

United States of America

We will never know that Christ is all we need,

Until He becomes all that we have.”

–Corrie ten Boom

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