Love Your Enemies

You have heard that it was said, "Love your neighbor and hate your enemy." But I tell you: love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you, that you may be sons (and daughters) of your Father in heaven. He causes the sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Matthew 5:43-46

By telling us not to retaliate against our enemies, Jesus keeps us from taking the law into our own hands. By loving and praying for our enemies, we can overcome evil with good. The Pharisees interpreted some of the Old Testament teaching (such as Leviticus 19:18) as though they should love only those who love in return. But Jesus says we are to love our enemies. If you love your enemies and treat them well, you will truly show that Jesus is Lord of your life. This is possible only for those who give themselves fully to God, because only he can deliver people from natural selfishness. This is one of the most difficult things that God requires of us because it goes completely against our natural inclinations. We must trust the Holy Spirit to help us show love to those for whom we may not feel love. Particularly those who are in the habit of stealing cars in the middle of the night. Once the Spirit of Christ strengthens you in this area of your life, you will be able to practice the presence of God as never before. All men will know that "you are my disciples, if you have love for one another." That includes everyone. And that type of love takes work and a lot of practice. God Bless you, J.H.