Loving our Enemies

It’s so much easier to love our friends than our enemies. Our friends know us and give grace when we need it. Our enemies flaunt our weaknesses and remind us that we are not perfect. Our friends love us through difficulty, while our enemies add to our sorrows with venomous words and actions. Our friends support and strengthen us, while our enemies take great joy in tearing down our reputations. How in the world can we love our enemies?

#1) We take into account that we were once enemies of God.
“For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life.” (Romans 5:10)

#2) We follow and obey the teachings of Jesus to love our enemies.
“But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil.” (Luke 6:35)

#3) We recognize the evil spirit (Satan) behind the attacks of our enemies.
“And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. 15 So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds.” (2 Corinthians 11:14-15)

#4) We surrender to God our bitterness and unforgiving hearts.
“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:32)

#5) We receive power from the Holy Spirit to love and do good to our enemies.
“But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us.” (2 Corinthians 4:7)

Prayer

Dear Lord, I can not love my enemies without You. Fill me with Your love and power through the Holy Spirit to reflect the love of Christ even to my enemies. In Jesus’ name, amen.

In His Service,

Republished by Blog Post Promoter