LOVE YOUR ENEMIES
By Carolyn Dale Newell
But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High. For He is kind to the unthankful and evil. Therefore be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful.
Luke 6:35-36 (NKJV)
Someone has probably popped in your mind. It may be someone that you cannot get along with no matter how hard you try, or it may be someone who hates God and wallows in the worst kinds of sin. We hate their sin, but we should love them enough to give them the truth of the gospel.
Biblical love is not an emotion, but it is a choice to be merciful. The story of the good Samaritan is a great example of this. Two men passed the injured Jew by, but the one who stopped was his enemy, a Samaritan. The hatred between Jews and Samaritans ran very deep.
Since God is kind to the unthankful and evil, we are to show them that same kindness. We are God’s children. Therefore, we are supposed to be like Him. God does not withhold blessings from the wicked. He causes the rain to fall and the sun to shine on all. This is known as “common grace”. When we love our enemies, we are showing them the love of God.
The unsaved world loves its own, but they hate their enemies. We are no longer part of them, and we are to love as God loves (v. 32-33).
It is difficult to love someone that you really don’t even like, but if we do not love them it is sin. We can only do this through the power and love of God. Pray for God to help you love this person. Begin to pray for your enemy, and you will see a change in your attitude toward them. Be your Father’s child and love.
Lord Jesus,
Forgive us for our failure to love perfectly as You do. Put that kind of love in our hearts, especially for our enemies. Thank You, amen.
DIG DEEPER
Read Luke 6:27-36.
HIKING THE TRAIL
Who is your enemy? Make them your mission field. Begin by praying for them. Do something kind for them this week.
Copyright 2013 Carolyn Dale Newell.
A Mountain of Faith 