Extending His Mercy (5.23.13)

Some people say love your neighbor and hate your enemy but GOD said love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven - Matthew 5 : 43-45

But I tell you who hear Me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you - Luke 6:27-28

Jesus had enemies and those enemies crucified Him, but as we all know, He got the ultimate victory in the end. GOD loved the world so much that He sent his son Jesus to die for us. His Son did not leave the earth without praying for those who were responsible for His death. Jesus, who told us to love and pray for our enemies, demonstrated the ultimate gift of love while hanging on the cross: “Father, forgive them for they know not what they are doing - Luke 23:34. 

Jesus prayed for His enemies, so why is it so hard for us to pray for ours?

One of the most amazing commands of Christ is to love our enemies. In our flesh, we naturally want to retaliate or fight back when we are treated unkindly or persecuted. Jesus preached forgiveness and mercy. “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful” (Luke 6:36). His lifestyle demonstrated grace that ours might also. He took His command one step further by adding another level of difficulty (as we see it), “Pray for those who persecute you” (Matthew 5:44).

Be merciful to and love on those who do not believe in GOD.
Snatch your enemy from the fire and save them from any and all harm
if you are ever faced with this situation.

Because of GOD’s mercy, we were saved.
We must extend His mercy to those who are still enemies of GOD, 
so that they might also receive what we have been given. 

GOD's LOVE!