Text: Matthew 5:44 KJV
Further Reading: Matthew 5:43-48
But I say unto 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.
Matthew 5:44 KJV
MESSAGE
Of all the commandments that Jesus gave us on love, there is one which is very difficult for many people to come to terms with – Which is to love your enemies. How do we love an unlovable person? How do you love a person who is constantly looking out for your downfall?
It may be difficult but it is not a grievous commandment. Never forget that we were once God’s enemies but through His love, we were reconciled back to Him. Likewise, loving your enemies has great power to bring them out of darkness into the light of Christ.
Loving your enemies according to the Lord Jesus is also proof that we are God’s children not by mouth but by deeds. He challenged us that we must go way further by expressing the love of God even to those who by the virtue of their attitude do not deserve it.
This love is expressive not empty mouth. The Lord further said in our reading of the day that we must bless our enemies even when they are cursing us. We must do good to them when they hate us. Even when they actively persecute and despitefully use you, you are called to pray for them.
When you do this sincerely, you will be able to show them how beautiful the love of God is. Also, the Bible says: If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink: For thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head, and the LORD shall reward thee (Proverbs 25:21-22).
Beloved, you must be deliberate about asking God for the grace to love your enemies. Since we are called to live at peace with all men including our enemies, we must learn from Jesus who loved us when we were His enemies. Jesus loved those who treated Him unfairly, and we would not be correct followers of Christ if we live otherwise.
REFLECTION
For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?
Matthew 5:46 KJV
Love your enemies is not only a command to obey but a life to live to prove that you truly belong to God.
PRAYER
Father, please help my heart so that I can love all men including my enemies.
