Love for Enemies
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 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. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
This is one of the most challenging truths of the Bible and one of the most releasing truths. It is hard to love your enemies, to stand in prayer for those who you are in conflict with; but it's also a relief when you realise that you don't need to hold that hate and pain. Today we are reminded to hand our pain and anger to God and ask Him to release us from it; and we are told to pray for those who might harm us and allow God to work within them.
Father we ask for more peace and understanding and forgiveness in our world; let your message of peace and love come forth and touch all those who look for war and division. Amen.
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