"But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you," (Matthew 5:44, NKJV)
PONDER THIS!
Jesus teaches us here from His "sermon on the mount" that we are to love, not only those who love us, but even those who hate, envy and despise us. We are to love those who even go out of their way to hurt or injure us.
Ok, let's confess it, most of us are still growing in this one. Let's admit it, it is easy to love those who love you back. It is easy to love people who care for you, and even those who have enough sence to leave you alone and not bother you. But to love those who you know have made themselves an enemy to you, takes much more prayer and patience.
Yet, we must remember the next thing Jesus says, "that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; . . ." When we love those who are our enemies we prove to the world that we are the children of God. Our heavenly father loves everyone, even those who deny, refuse to believe in and reject Him. God allows the sun and the rain to bless the "just and the unjust." We too must demonstrate the attributes of our Father as we deal with those who would make themselves our enemies.
1. Do you know that love is not an emotion it is a choice? You choose to love and you choose to not love.
2. Did you and have you made the choice to love everyone, even those who you know don’t “like” you?
3. Is there anyone in your life right now that is a bit hard to love? If so, love them anyway.
Show the world who your Daddy is. Let the love of God be shown through you, as you love those who refuse to love you. In spite of how they feel about you, what they think of you or what they do to try to hurt or harm you, LOVE YOUR ENEMIES!