One More Time

O. T. #1493  "One More Time" 
July 30, 2019
Proverbs 25-Part 4
If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink: For thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head, and the LORD shall reward thee. 
Proverbs 25:21-22

LET IT GLOW

How are we going to live in the middle of this? Especially when we have to see them so often, how do I endure? Dear one, we are not alone in this hared situation. Jesus is walking with us, in and though this. If God's Word is our guide for our life, we can't close the Holy Book or click off this site and ignore these standards and instructions given to us. If we love Jesus, we desire to obey Him, even when an enemy causes us to bleed in our soul. So please, don't leave me alone in the midst of this. This is hard for me, too, yet I need it. How about you?

How are we to deal with our enemies? First, we need to define an enemy.
In this verse, an enemy (saw-nay') is to hate personally; be hateful; foe.

First, if we return evil for evil, then the battle will only escalate and harm will come to all parties.
Next, evaluate if there is a reason for them to hate us; have we done something to hurt them, making their actions make sense? Do we need to make things right with them?
Third, how are we supposed to react to their hatefulness, if we have done nothing to deserve this?

• Show kindness by meeting their needs, thus softening his angry feelings by bringing fire to his soul (conviction). (verses 21-22)
• Love them, bless them, do good to them, and pray for our enemies.

In Matthew 5:44, Jesus tells us, 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.

• Lend to them, hoping for no returns. Your reward will be great, and you shall be the children of the Highest. (Luke 6:35)
• Be merciful. (Luke 6:36)

Is there anyone who is cursing you, hating you, despitefully using you, or persecuting you? We are told to love them, bless them, do good to them, and even pray for them. Are we willing to deny our self, take up our cross, and follow Jesus?

LET IT GROW


Oh, Sweet Jesus, You tell us hard things. We can't do this in the flesh nor alone. We need your help. I know You forgave those who beat and killed you-Your enemies. Nothing is too difficult for Thee.  Fill us with Your Spirit so these attitudes and actions are not too difficult for us to do. Change us and make us more like You.

I have a sticky note on my desk. I am looking at it now. It has 3 symbols on it, no words, but I know what it says to me and I know it is the right way.

1 ^ x (turn the middle symbol to the right.) It stands for ONE MORE TIME. Jesus is reminding me to do whatever I am struggling with, 1 more time. Love them one more time. Forgive them one more time. Show kindness to them one more time. Pray for them one more time.
We are to be Jesus here on earth, so we must act like Him and be filled with His Spirit.
Well, I have some homework.


LET IT GO

In the middle of this, do it one more time, for Jesus.