Jesus reminded His followers that anyone can love their fans and supporters, but children of God must love their enemies and critics as well. In Matthew 5:44 Jesus says, "Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father in heaven."
Loving people who mistreat us, sin against us, and persecute us is the best thing we can do for them and ultimately the best thing we can do for ourselves too. God will use those experiences in our lives to shape us into the image of Christ. Love must always be our response. Our motivation for loving others should be to share God's love by spreading the good news of Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection.
In fact, Jesus himself demonstrated loving His enemies by willfully dying on the cross at their hands. As the popular song says "Love is a Cross." He made the choice to give up His life, and it was the greatest expression of love the world has ever witnessed.
Today, with the Lord's help, find a way to love your enemies. Be encouraged by the apostle Paul who wrote these words to the Christians living in the ancient town on Philippi, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." (Philippians 4:13)
In fact, Jesus himself demonstrated loving His enemies by willfully dying on the cross at their hands. As the popular song says "Love is a Cross." He made the choice to give up His life, and it was the greatest expression of love the world has ever witnessed.
Today, with the Lord's help, find a way to love your enemies. Be encouraged by the apostle Paul who wrote these words to the Christians living in the ancient town on Philippi, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." (Philippians 4:13)
1 comment:
I agree, its tough to love and pray for those who persecute you, but we are called to obedience to glorify the one who made us, so we must. Thanks for looking at my blog. Keep the faith.
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