"But I say to you who hear: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28 bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you." Luke 6:27-28 (NJKV)
Today, we are looking at a challenge that is not nearly as “fun” as the last one.
I want to challenge us to love our enemies, to do good to those who hate us, to bless those who curse us and to pray for those who use us.
These are not my ideas; these are the very commands of Jesus Christ, found in Luke 6.
I know this isn’t an easy challenge, but if He has asked us to do this, He will grant us what we need to obey His words.
Choose to love rather than hate.
Determine a way to do good for someone who does not like you.
Bless them with your words; whisper a prayer for God to be with them today.
Notice this scripture does not say “Trust your enemies.”
Nor does it say, “You must have a big party for your enemies.”
Jesus Himself knew what it felt to be despised and rejected.
He endured hostility, hatred, false accusations, and physical torture and yet He never retaliated.
He never defended Himself.
Jesus was without sin and had enemies.
We are not sinless, so there is a high possibility that we will make some enemies in our lifetime.
Today, let’s follow our Master’s example and love those who despise us.
Heavenly Father, this challenge is a difficult one. I thank You for sending Your Son, Jesus, to this earth. He lived as an example to all. I want to follow in His footsteps. I choose to forgive __________________ for ______________________. Even if ____________ never asks for forgiveness, I choose to forgive as You have forgiven me.
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