Text: Mathew 5:44 NKJV

Further Reading: Matthew 5:43-48

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

MESSAGE

The greatest command that Jesus gave us is Love. He called Love the summary of the entire law and prophets. We are commanded first to love God and then to love our neighbours as ourselves. (Matthew 22:37-40, Deuteronomy 6:5).

But are all neighbours lovable? No! The truth is that many are looking for ways to hurt and harm us. Do we still love these kinds of people? Yes! Because Jesus commanded us to. Believers are admonished not only to love their friends but also their enemies.

That boss at work who is constantly looking out for your mistakes; that teacher or professor who is threatening to fail you because you will not compromise your faith; your colleagues at work who hated you because you will not join them to change figures; and many others who may be looking for your downfall – all these people must be loved.

God has never asked us to do what He has not done. He always gave us examples to follow. When the Bible says in John 3:16 that God loved the world and gave His only begotten Son, it was not a world that loved Him but rather hates Him. Still, God sent His Son because He loved His enemies.

But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.
Romans 5:8‭, ‬10 NKJV

Jesus displayed this unflinching love for His enemies even when He was being crucified, He prayed for them (Luke 23:34). Christians over the centuries know that the only way to conquer hate is to Love. From the martyrdom of Stephen to the persecution of our Christian Brothers and Sister all over the world today, Love has been the most powerful and irresistible force which has brought even their persecutors to Christ.

Scripture told us that by loving our enemies, we will be showing the whole world that we are truly God’s children. The Spirit of God in us is that of love, and He will help us to love even those who seem unlovable.

Always engage the help of the Holy Spirit when you are faced with situations where it looks impossible for you to love – He will step in.

REFLECTION

But if you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them.

Luke 6:32 NKJV

What will distinguish you from every religious person is your ability to love even your enemies through the grace of God in you.

PRAYER

Father, Please give me the grace to love my enemies and show the love of Christ even to my persecutors.