Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust (Matthew 5:43-45).

COMMENTARY

We often talk about the benefits of being God's child, like being forgiven, saved, going to heaven with God, getting the Holy Spirit, and winning in the end when Christ comes back. But one of the best things about being human is being able to treat people who don't like or hate us in a way that shows how God would treat them. Anyone can return hate for hate, but only a child of God can return blessings and prayers for his or her enemies.

This kind of love and kindness towards enemies is not easy, but it is what sets us apart as true followers of Christ. It requires us to let go of our pride, anger, and desire for revenge. Instead, we must trust in God's justice and love, knowing that he will take care of everything in his perfect timing.

By loving our enemies, we become more like Jesus and reflect his character to the world around us. May we strive to love all people, even those who are difficult to love, so that we may truly be called children of God.

Trusting in God's justice and love is key.

We must strive to love all people, even those who are difficult to love.

This shows how God would treat our enemies.

Loving our enemies sets us apart as true followers of Christ.

We can show love and kindness towards our enemies by blessing them, doing good to them, and praying for them.
This love reflects the character of God, who makes the sun rise on both the evil and the good, and sends rain on both the just and unjust.

Loving our enemies is a powerful way to demonstrate that we are children of God.
It may be challenging, but it is worth striving for in order to become more like Jesus.

Through loving our enemies, we can make a positive impact on the world around us.
We can also show love and kindness towards our enemies by listening to them and trying to understand their perspective.

This does not mean we have to agree with them, but it allows us to see them as fellow human beings who are also in need of God's love and grace.
By showing empathy towards our enemies, we break down barriers and create opportunities for reconciliation and healing.

Loving our enemies is not just about being nice or avoiding conflict, but it is a radical way of living that transforms us from the inside out.

As children of God, we are called to be peacemakers and ambassadors of Christ's love in a world that desperately needs it.

Let us continue to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us, knowing that God's love is greater than any hatred or division.

SUMMARY

In conclusion, loving our enemies is not just a suggestion, but a commandment from Jesus himself. It may be difficult and challenging, but it is what sets us apart as true followers of Christ. By loving our enemies, we reflect the character of God and become more like Jesus. We can show love and kindness towards our enemies by blessing them, doing good to them, praying for them, and even trying to understand their perspective. This kind of love breaks down barriers and creates opportunities for reconciliation and healing. As children of God, we are called to be peacemakers and ambassadors of Christ's love in a world that desperately needs it. Let us continue to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us, knowing that God's love is greater than any hatred or division.

PRAYER

Father, I appreciate your love for me even when I was at odds with you. I appreciate you giving me the option to accept or reject your love by putting your Son's life in danger. Please pour your love into my heart as you promised so that I can love everyone as you have loved me, even my enemies. In Jesus's precious name I pray. Amen..