Jesus is making a specific point in this passage about our enemies, or those who oppose us or who seem to be the opposite of what we are. We should love those people and do so extravagantly. We have heard this many times.

I think there is another lesson in these verses that we may miss if we focus solely on enemies. During nearly forty years of my adult career, I was privileged to be a college teacher, and I loved the work that I did. I truly enjoyed delving into the topic that I was assigned to teach, and I always tried – sometimes more successfully than others – to generate some enthusiasm for those topics and to convey that enthusiasm to my students. It was sometimes hard work, and it often required many daytime, nighttime, and weekend hours. But I enjoyed it and felt like that’s what was required if I wanted to give my students a good experience in my classes.

Along the way, I learned something that all teachers know. It is a secret of the profession, but I will let you in on it. When you teach, you inevitably learn more than your students.

I was always trying to give my students something. But I always found that the rewards of knowledge and understanding were greater than what I could convey to them.

Yes, you should love your enemies – and your friends. You should love without expecting anything from them. You should give your whole self to other people without holding back. Then, according to Christ, your reward will be great and you will be the children of God.

Our Father, show us ways that we can give ourselves to others without expecting anything in return from them. Show us how to love extravagantly and generously. Amen.

This devotion was written by Jim Stovall.

Grace for All is a daily devotional podcast produced by the members of the congregation of First United Methodist Church in Maryville, Tennessee. With these devotionals, we want to remind listeners on a daily basis of the love and grace that God extends to all human beings, no matter their location, status, or condition in life.

If you would like to respond to these devotionals in any way, we would enjoy hearing from you. Our email address is: podcasts@1stchurch.org.

First United Methodist Church is a lively, spirit-filled congregation whose goal is to spread the message of love and grace into our community and throughout the world. We are located on the web at https://1stchurch.org/.

You are listening to Grace for All, a daily devotional podcast produced by the people of First United Methodist Church in Maryville, Tennessee.

This is Scripture Saturday, a time when we pause and reflect on the scriptures we have read throughout the week.

If you missed any of our devotionals on these passages, you can find them on our website at 1stChurch.org or wherever you get your podcasts.

Now, we invite you to listen and receive Grace. Welcome and thank you for joining us.

Grace for All is a daily devotional podcast produced by the members of the congregation of First United Methodist Church in Maryville, Tennessee. With these devotionals, we want to remind listeners on a daily basis of the love and grace that God extends to all human beings, no matter their location, status, or condition in life.

If you would like to respond to these devotionals in any way, we would enjoy hearing from you. Our email address is: podcasts@1stchurch.org.

First United Methodist Church is a lively, spirit-filled congregation whose goal is to spread the message of love and grace into our community and throughout the world. We are located on the web at https://1stchurch.org/.

In Matthew’s Gospel, Chapters 24 and 25, Jesus is teaching his disciples and telling parables. Our scripture for today tells one such parable and clearly emphasizes how we should treat strangers in need.

There are many poor wanderers, homeless people, and strangers in our land today. Regarding them, we must follow Jesus’ command from this parable. We must not reject them or turn a blind eye. We must open our hearts and our purses. We must feed the hungry, provide clean water for their thirst, invite them in, and offer them clothes. We must tend the sick and the well, visit the prisoners.

If we are not generous to these in need, God will send us away. But if we are found to have helped the least of these, we will earn eternal life!

In our churches, in our communities, in our country, there are so many opportunities to help; to be the hands and feet of Jesus.

If we reject and neglect these strangers in need, we reject and neglect Christ.

Dear Lord Jesus, help me to constantly look for the opportunities before me, to see your face in the face of the wanderer, the stranger, the alien, the homeless. Help me to follow your commands to take care of the least of these. In your name we pray. Amen.

Today’s devotional was written and read by Bernice Howard.

Grace for All is a daily devotional podcast produced by the members of the congregation of First United Methodist Church in Maryville, Tennessee. With these devotionals, we want to remind listeners on a daily basis of the love and grace that God extends to all human beings, no matter their location, status, or condition in life.

If you would like to respond to these devotionals...

In Eden, Adam and Eve’s relationship with God was intimate and life-giving. Their connection with Him brought purpose to their work and harmony to creation. This abiding relationship was not distant but deeply intertwined, sustaining their every moment.

Jesus echoed this truth with His image of the vine and branches. Just as a branch cannot survive apart from the vine, we cannot bear fruit apart from Him. Life, growth, and purpose flow only when we remain connected to our source.

The redwoods offer a striking example. These towering trees are among the oldest on earth, yet their roots are shallow. What keeps them standing for centuries is their interconnectedness. Beneath the surface, their roots intertwine, sharing strength and nutrients. Alone, a redwood would fall; together, they thrive.

Our lives mirror this design. Without God, our efforts falter. But when we remain in Him—through prayer, worship, and trust—we draw from His strength, becoming rooted in His love. This connection sustains us and enables us to bear fruit in ways we cannot achieve alone.

The invitation to abide in God began in Eden and continues today. It’s an invitation not just to work for Him but to live in Him—to walk daily in His presence and see our lives as part of His greater purpose.

Lord, teach us to abide in You as branches cling to the vine. Let Your life flow through us, nourishing all we do. May we bear fruit that reflects Your love and brings You glory. Amen.

This devotion was written by Chuck Warnock and read by Jim Stovall.

Grace for All is a daily devotional podcast produced by the members of the congregation of First United Methodist Church in Maryville, Tennessee. With these devotionals, we want to remind listeners on a daily basis of the love and grace that God extends to all human beings, no matter their location, status, or condition in life.

If you would like to respond to these devotionals in any way, we would enjoy hearing from you. Our email address is: podcasts@1stchurch.org.

First United Methodist Church is a lively, spirit-filled congregation whose goal is to spread the message of love and grace into our community and throughout the world. We are located on the web at https://1stchurch.org/.

In our scripture today, God is speaking to Solomon after he finished building his magnificent temple.

Soloman was the 4th King of Israel and Judah, succeeding his father, David. Solomon was also a wise and powerful prophet and dedicated follower of Yahweh/God. Solomon’s wisdom and great wealth are legendary, not only in Christianity, but in Judaism and Islam as well. He had 700 wives, hundred of concubines, and so much wealth that the Queen of Sheba came to marvel at his excessive display.

Solomon was led astray by his excessive wealth and luxury, and by his wives, who turned him to other gods. He became selfish and greedy, turning away from God and leading others to follow him.

God became angry with Solomon and turned away from him. Solomon lost respect and prestige, and some say he became like a commoner. I imagine that when his world fell apart, Solomon felt abandoned by man and God.

Some days I wonder if we Christians (God’s people) have let God down as Solomon did.

• Do we turn too often to the “gods” of FB, Instagram, and other social media and news outlets, instead of turning to God?
• Do we worship the gods of our favorite hobbies, instead of spending time as Jesus’ hands and feet serving others?
• Do we turn a blind eye on the stranger in our land and fail to welcome them?

I pray that we are not like Solomon, being led astray by other things – other gods!

I pray that we humble ourselves and pray and seek God’s face and turn from our wicked ways. I pray that we will hear from heaven and that God forgives our sin and heals our land – our suffering and broken land!

Forgive your people. Help us, Lord. Heal us, Lord. In Jesus’ name we pray. AMEN.

This devotion was written and read by Bernice Howard.



Grace for All is a daily devotional podcast produced by the members of the congregation of First United Methodist Church in Maryville, Tennessee. With these devotionals, we want to remind listeners on a daily basis of the love and grace that God extends to all human beings, no matter their location, status, or condition in life.

If you would like to respond to these devotionals in any way, we would enjoy hearing from you. Our email address is: podcasts@1stchurch.org.

First United Methodist Church is a lively, spirit-filled congregation whose goal is to spread the message of love and grace into our community and throughout the world. We are located on the web at https://1stchurch.org/.

In a world divided by politics, denominations, and doctrinal disagreements, we often look for ways to distinguish who’s “in” and who’s “out.” Is it the way we baptize? The name on the church sign? The theological statements we affirm? But Jesus cut through all of that with a single, unmistakable command: “Love each other.”

That’s it. That’s the identifying mark of a follower of Jesus.

In the early days of the church, when Christians faced persecution, believers had to find ways to identify each other discreetly. One such method was the ichthys, the simple fish symbol. When meeting someone new, a Christian might draw one arc in the dust. If the other person completed the fish, they knew they were in safe company. It was a quiet symbol of shared belief. But while the fish marked one another in secret, Jesus said love would be the visible sign to the world.

Tertullian, a second-century Christian writer, famously described how the pagans of Rome viewed the early believers: “See how they love one another!” That’s what stood out. Not their theological precision. Not their rituals. Not even their preaching. It was their love, a love that reached across social classes, that embraced the sick and the outcast, that gave generously and forgave deeply.

Imagine if that were still the first thing people noticed about Christians today.

Too often, we let lesser things divide us. We argue over who’s doing church the right way. We draw lines over politics or preferences. And in doing so, we sometimes lose sight of the very thing Jesus told us would reveal Him to the world.

The fish might have helped early Christians identify one another, but love is how the world is supposed to identify us.

Love isn’t optional. It’s the command. And not just any love, but the kind Jesus showed: sacrificial, patient, persistent. Love that gets its hands dirty. Love that holds space for differences. Love that serves, listens, and forgives.

If we want the world to know Jesus, then we must start by living out this one identifying mark He gave us.

Lord Jesus, you didn’t say the world would know us by our buildings or beliefs, but by our love. Teach us to love as you loved: boldly, humbly, and without condition. Let our lives reflect the grace we’ve received. May those who meet us say, “See how they love.” Amen.

Today’s devotional was written and read by Donn King.

Grace for All is a daily devotional podcast produced by the members of the congregation of First United Methodist Church in Maryville, Tennessee. With these devotionals, we want to remind listeners on a daily basis of the love and grace that God extends to all human beings, no matter their location, status, or condition in life.

If you would like to respond to these devotionals in any way, we would enjoy hearing from you. Our email address is: podcasts@1stchurch.org.

First United Methodist Church is a lively, spirit-filled congregation whose goal is to spread the message of love and grace into our community and throughout the world. We are located on the web at https://1stchurch.org/.

Today's reflection is written and read by Lisa Blackwood.

For today, I would like to also reference this scripture as presented by “The Message.” This scripture, written by Matthew, one of the Disciples, says,

Well, wow! In our world finding a quiet, secluded place may be difficult. Even if we live alone, our phones beckon us to engage and interact with someone – actually anyone. Quiet is an elusive goal. Being there, being present , and I love what he says, “as simply and honestly as you can manage.”

Being present, fully present is also something we aren’t really good at living out. But the reward is the real blessing. The focus will shift to God and we will experience His grace just by praying!

Prayer is a very important Part of our faith journey. In fact, prayer is mentioned in the Bible more than 650 times as well as 25 instances of Jesus praying during his earthly ministry. Prayer is a form of communication with God. That communication goes BOTH ways. We are to communicate with God, sharing our needs and also our praise for His glory and goodness.

My earliest memories of prayer are found in my early childhood. My Dad would come to say bedtime prayers with me. Just the two of us in my room, I treasured that time alone with him. In those quiet moments, I shared with him and God my fears and joys.

Even more though, I remember the vacations my brothers and I spent with my grandparents each summer. We had the best days going to the beach, swimming in the pool, making new friends and sharing in family games. When nighttime came and all three of us kids were nestled in our beds and the cottage was quiet, my grandparents, exhausted I’m sure, went to their room to prepare for bed. Their bedroom was just across the hallway from mine. I heard sounds and just had to see what was going on. As I entered their doorway, I froze. They were each, on their knees, by their own side of the bed, heads bowed and hands folded, praying. I simply was mesmerized. I listened and watched as they fervently prayed for their children, grandchildren, friends, work and more.

As I think about it now, I am amazed and impressed that their knees held out for the thirty or so minutes they spent on this nightly ritual. After the first night I witnessed this meaningful time, I tried to watch each night. Sometimes I couldn’t remain awake, but over the two weeks we shared each summer, I was often a silent witness. In a way their prayers became a part of me.

So, yes, they found a quiet place where they could share their hearts with God, blessings and concerns. I know, with all my heart, He saw and heard them. Their focus was truly on God.

Growing up, and later with my own children, we did pray before meals, have a nighttime prayer ritual and special prayers at family gatherings. However, these nightly prayers, so important to my grandparents, have always stuck with me. They were simple and from their hearts.

My prayer life might not be as reliable as theirs, sometimes it is even chaotic, but I know how important it really is to yearn for God and to pray. My friends will tell you that I often send up “arrow prayers,” simple and sometimes only a sentence or two, for them as I pass their...

Life in this world is not easy. It is full of challenges and perils that can produce great stress and heartache.

Oh to list them: failed relationships, financial difficulties, work stress, health concerns for ourselves and for loved ones. Hard, hard, hard!

Jesus is there for us! He tells us that he is there for us, and that he will carry our burdens. He tells us to seek, and we will find, knock and the door will be opened! It is imperative for us to establish and maintain that relationship with Him!

We do that by reaching out in prayer, remembering the sabbath day and keeping it holy, and always asking for the Holy Spirit to guide us.

How bad does it have to be for a child to reach rock bottom and to ask out in prayer for someone to show him the way? That child was me. It was and still is crystal clear in my mind when that prayer happened. My father could not be bothered to take the time to spend it with me. I was floundering, and as a child I knew it!

It was a bright, springtime day as I stood outside by the street a door away from my home. My prayer was simple: “Please God, send someone to show me the way!” Now God answers our prayers when we establish a relationship with Him. We don’t always get the answer we hoped for, but sometimes we get more than we hoped for. Well, I can attest God met and exceeded my expectations. He sent more than just someone. He sent coaches Collar, Blend, Bradburn, Firing, Snyder and Gurski, men who taught me mental discipline, praised me, encouraged me, and put me on the path to success.

It is incumbent upon us to follow the words of Jesus and to walk the walk with Him on the twisting, turning roads of this world with its heavy burdens.

Dear Jesus, you have made it so clear in so, so many ways that you love each and everyone of us! Open our hearts so that we may follow your commandment, to love one another as you have loved us.

Amen.

This devotion written and recorded by Sam Barto.

Grace for All is a daily devotional podcast produced by the members of the congregation of First United Methodist Church in Maryville, Tennessee. With these devotionals, we want to remind listeners on a daily basis of the love and grace that God extends to all human beings, no matter their location, status, or condition in life.

If you would like to respond to these devotionals in any way, we would enjoy hearing from you. Our email address is: podcasts@1stchurch.org.

First United Methodist Church is a lively, spirit-filled congregation whose goal is to spread the message of love and grace into our community and throughout the world. We are located on the web at https://1stchurch.org/.