Us loving our enemy could be exactly what they need to learn about God's love for them.
Jesus was teaching when He said the Scripture posted above. He was the ultimate example of how to live it out too.
When He was being tortured and beaten, He never wished bad on the people doing it. He even said, from the cross, "Father, forgive them, they don't know what they are doing."
That's loving your enemies fully right there.
I read a few more Scriptures this morning in Romans that I wanted to show you. Then, let's talk about who our enemies are.
Romans 12:9, "Don't just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good."
Romans 12:14, "Bless those who persecute you. Don't curse them; pray that God will bless them."
Romans 12:17, "Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable." (Have you ever heard someone say, "Two wrongs don't make a right?")
Romans 12:18, "Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone."
Now, hear me out on this, ok?
Your enemies are NOT the unsaved people in your life. Did you hear me? Your enemies are NOT the unsaved people in your life.
Your enemy first of all, is the devil. Second of all, it's people he might be using to bother you and keep you at a distance from God.
ISIS, who are seriously persecuting and killing Christians, are our enemy.
No matter what people do, God says we are to love them anyway. I know that's hard. But the reality is, they don't know the one true living God. They serve a little g god that is teaching hate.
To me, that's what makes Christianity stand high above all other religions. Jesus taught us to love our enemies. Other religions teach to hate anyone who isn't like them. Some even tell them to kill anyone who doesn't believe like they do.
Jesus' teachings were total opposite.
In Romans 12: 19 and 20, we are told to not take revenge, because God will pay them back... and if our enemy is hungry, feed them, if they are thirsty, give them drink.
Supplying a basic need to any human being is the best way to show and tell them about God's unconditional love. Once they hear the truth, if they believe, they will be transformed and changed. Then, they will become a brother or sister in Christ..and an enemy no longer.
Are you praying for your enemies? I know I don't pray for them like I should. They need Jesus though...so I need to do better.
God bless you today and always.
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