[Ohio-Communities-of-Faith] "Loving Your Enemies"- Brenda Walsh Ministries Daily Devotion

[Shelly Duffy]

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Loving Your Enemies

When Jesus was here on earth He loved everyone, even those that society despised. It didn’t matter if they were a dishonest tax collector, a prostitute, a leper, or a thief on a cross–He loved them all. God wants us to love as He loves, unconditionally, and that includes our enemies. The Bible says in Luke 6:27-28, “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.“ What an awesome God who loves everyone with His perfect love, even the flawed, selfish, and imperfect people. The truth is we all need unconditional love just as much as we need air to breath. And when we make mistakes, we not only ask for, but expect to receive grace and understanding. But why is it so hard to return that same grace and mercy to others? Give people the benefit of the doubt. You don’t know the pain that is fueling their actions. Try to look at people through God’s eyes. When someone is angry and throwing insults, don’t react. The main purpose of an “insulter” is to make you act without thinking. Instead of responding, frustrate them with your silence. Show respect even to people who don’t deserve it–not as a reflection of their character, but as a reflection of yours. When at the receiving end of hatred and meanness, be kind! We’re told in Ephesians 4:32, “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” Forgive those who have hurt you and follow the biblical advice in Matthew 5:44, “But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” Your enemies are watching you closer than anyone else, so give them a show they won’t forget–show them Jesus! Text: 1 Peter 3:9, Proverbs 24:17, Luke 6:28, Romans 12:20

Bible Texts:
1 Peter 3:9 NKJV - not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing. 

Proverbs 24:17 NKJV - Do not rejoice when your enemy falls, And do not let your heart be glad when he stumbles; 

Luke 6:28 NKJV - "bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you. 

Romans 12:20 NKJV - Therefore "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head."

© Brenda Walsh Ministries www.brendawalsh.com



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Shelley Duffy