EMPOWERING LIVES WITH PURPOSE
Can you think of individuals you do not feel like loving but whom you could try to? They may not necessarily be enemies with them, but maybe you just do not like them. For whatever reason, if someone has wronged you or a family member, and they ended up on your ” not like very much, list” we are not supposed to dwell there; God says, “You should not take vengeance, nor bear any ‘grudge’ against the children of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself.; I am the Lord.” (Leviticus 19:18)
Loving your neighbor on the basic expectation- the minimum standard, is what we are called to, but Jesus doesn’t stop there; He asks for much more. He commands His people to love their enemies. Love like Jesus loves. What does it mean to love them?
Jesus told us His famous parable of the Good Samaritan and clearly commanded us to “love your neighbor.” It means loving all people everywhere and being willing to go the extra mile to serve them. Jesus extended the rule of love to everyone.
“There is a saying,’ Love your friends and hate your enemies.’ Pray for those who persecute you!” (Matthew 5:43-44)
Yes, it can be easy for us to love those who love us, but it is much more difficult to love those who do not like us. It is easy for us to pray for people we love, but not as easy for those who cause problems in our lives. God loves His enemies by acting for their good, always. He does not play games or favorites. God means what He says and does and keeps His promises to love us. All of us. He commands us to do the same.
Love is an action word. And we need to be aware of those who are difficult for us to love. Then, we need to concentrate on showing them love as well. Surrender your enemies to God! May your heart be moved today towards someone, anyone who pops into your brain while reading this. If you are holding animosity towards them of any type, stop. Please, give them over to God. Then pray for them and see if you could do a random action of love towards them. ❤️ (and yes, I do this myself), and I would never write about it if I couldn’t follow through and do it myself as well.