Love Your Enemies

But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike. If you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that? Even corrupt tax collectors do that much. If you are kind only to your friends, how are you different from anyone else? Even pagans do that.

– Matthew 5:44-47 NLT

Now you must agree with me, these are the most difficult, controversial, radical demands Jesus ever placed on the world. I tell you these demands are real; they are the words of Jesus and He expects us to obey and do them. Jesus even added and said, “But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect” (Mathew 5:48 NLT).

Does it mean being a follower of Christ alone isn’t enough? No, it’s obviously not! More is expected from us; Perfection is expected from us. If Jesus got criticised for His perfection, how much more we, His followers. Paul said in 2 Timothy 3:12 NIV, “In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.”  

I believe that, If you don’t have any enemies as a christian, then your godliness isn’t showing very well. Jesus said in (Luke 6:26 KJV), “Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets.”  If our lifestyle don’t contradict that of this world then we aren’t living as Jesus did while He was here with us. His lifestyle on earth was very criticised by many, because He showed His love to all (good or bad people) throughout His life on earth and it was noticeable!

The next question we should ask ourselves is, “How should we love our enemies?” It is written in (Matthew 5:42 NLT) that, “Give to those who ask, and don’t turn away from those who want to borrow.” The answer is give to “anyone” who ask. Not only your beloved family or friends but to anyone who asks. We are all familiar with this saying, “Sharing is caring.”  Don’t resist giving to your enemies! Remember Jesus ate with His enemy (Judas Iscariot) although He knew He will betray Him. Also, let’s forgive our enemies and everyone who offends us. In Matthew 18:21-22 NLT, Peter asked Jesus how many times we should forgive those who sin against us and Jesus answered in verse 22, “No, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.” We should learn how to forgive always even when it hurts! 

Brethren, Jesus pleaded for forgiveness for those who persecuted Him, even in His last breath while on the cross (Luke 23:34). This should teach us that our Love and forgiveness should never be limited but rather be extended to all, irrespective of the circumstances. Let’s not forget that, we were all enemies of God and yet found the grace of God through Christ’s death (Romans 5:10).

Prayer Point:

Let us thank God for His word today. Let’s ask Him to help us love our enemies as much as we love ourselves and forgive everyone who offends us.

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God bless you all!