Love Your Enemies (6.16.13)

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

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, adding another level of difficulty, “Pray for those who persecute you” (Matthew 5:44).

It is important to have a firm foundation upon which to train your children to love their enemies and to pray for them.  So that they will come to know Jesus as Savior and Lord.

It is also important to be merciful.  Because of GOD’s mercy, we were saved. Therefore, we must extend His mercy to those who are still enemies of GOD, so that they will receive what we have been given.

Gracious GOD, 
It isn’t easy to love people who are unkind, 
but because Jesus demonstrated this ultimate love 
while hanging on the cross, 
I am compelled to do likewise. 

May I show His mercy and grace 
to those who persecute or mistreat me 
so that they will see You in me.

Amen