Thursday, September 4, 2014

Christ Commands Us to Love Our Enemies (9.4.14)

Jesus had enemies…and they crucified Him. 
Yet, as we know, He had the ultimate victory in the end. 
But because GOD loved the world so much that He sent Jesus to die, 
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 do not know what they are doing” - Luke 23:34a. 
Jesus prayed for His enemies…how can we do less?

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. 

Because of GOD’s mercy, we are 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.



Oh Merciful GOD, 
How blessed it is to walk with a Kingdom mindset. 

Give me a gentle spirit that is pleased to minister 
to those who try to hurt me or speak ill of me. 

Allow me the grace to bless them and pray for them 
so that You will receive all honor and glory and praise! 

In Your Son Jesus' name,
Amen


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