“Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you…”
Matthew 5:44
When faced with conflict and controversy, our first instinct is to retaliate. After all doesn’t the Bible say an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth? When we are hurt or insulted, it is very difficult not to hurl an insult or hurt back to the one causing the pain.
But, let’s take a closer look at the scriptures. In Matthew 5, Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount is recorded. Here Jesus very plainly says in verses 38 - 42 that we are NOT to retaliate or try to get back at those that wrong us. Instead, we are told to love our enemies and pray for those that try to hurt us. (Verse 44)
It is not always easy to do, but just think how much better our world would be if we practiced these instructions. When we truly showed love for those we disliked and prayed earnestly for those that hurt us, God would open doors of understanding and acceptance for all of us. Hearts, minds and attitudes would be changed and souls would be won to Christ!
Just as Jesus set the supreme example by praying for His enemies as they crucified Him, ( Luke23:34) we too, should strive to show this kind of love to others, especially those that seem to want to be our enemies and are hurtful toward us.
Add comment
Comments