Loving Our Enemies

N.T. #54 "Loving our Enemies"

April 21, 2023

Matthew5-Part 24

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. (verse 44)

LET IT GLOW

Seriously, what are you waiting for? Put on love. You'll never regret it. Plus, it's totally your color. Regardless of what you put on, wear love. It's your basic all-purpose garment. Never be without it. (Kristen Welch)

6. Love neighbor/love enemy

God's law commanded the Jews to love their neighbor. (Lev. 19:18) However, the natural conclusion for many Jews was to hate their enemy.  (verse 43) Jesus turned that way of thinking on its head when He told them to love their enemies. Only He can deliver people from natural selfishness. After telling His followers to not retaliate from bad done them, Jesus tells them (and us) to love their enemies.

Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. (Col. 3:13b,14)

Forgiving those who were ugly to me, hurt my feelings, did honery things, turned their back on me, makes it very hard to do. Only Jesus can fill us with love for those folks. We can't do it on our own. 

LET IT GROW

Jesus is telling us how to love our enemies, according to verse 44:

• Bless them that curse you. Bless means to speak well of; thank or invoke a benediction upon ; prosper.
• Do good to them that hate you. Good refers to well, honestly.
• Pray for them which despitefully use you and persecute you. Despitefully means to insult; slander; falsely accuse.

To sum up what Jesus instructed us, we are to speak well of, do good to, and pray for those who treat us badly. When we do, then we are showing that we are a child of God. (verse 45) He shows kindness and grace to the evil and good ones by sending rain and the sunshine. If we only show love to those who love us, what reward do we have? Even worldly people can be nice to those who are nice to them. We are to be the exception. I have some homework to do.

LET IT GO

Make us loving people, Jesus.

Help us forgive as You forgive us.

Amazing grace how sweet!