43 "You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47 And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as you’re heavenly Father is perfect.
Matthew 5:43-47
“Love your enemies” – much easier said than done. I mean, who within their own strength can do that? Who can love other people who intentionally hurt you or who can love other people who talk behind your back in order that they may be liked by others or get ahead of you in business or maybe just because they are bitter and mad at the world? Who can love terrorists or rapists or men who physically abuse their wives? The truth is that none of us can do this within our own power. Ahh,,, that is the key isn’t it? Every one of us who claims to be a Christ follower has the power within to promote peace and to love and pray for even the worst of our enemies. The trick is to cling to Christ with everything that you have, to love Him first by obeying His commands and spending time with our Father in prayer and worship – the key is to have such an intimate relationship with your Creator that His words become your words; His actions become your actions; and His love becomes your love that is reflected ever so sweetly to the world around you and even to those who have hurt you the most. So, today, live your life in relationship to Jesus in such a way that His power is revealed in and through your life in order that others would see and believe!
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