Matthew 5:38-48

***Week 3 Memory Verse***

 

In this manner, therefore, pray:

Our Father in heaven,
Hallowed be Your name.
Your kingdom come.
Your will be done
On earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
 And forgive us our debts,
As we forgive our debtors.
And do not lead us into temptation,
But deliver us from the evil one.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever.

Amen.

Matthew 6:9-13

 

 

READ Matthew 5:38-48!

 

Love Your Enemies!

 

If you have been married very long you know that love is not just a warm feeling or a sentiment.  True love is not something you fall in and out of.  True love strengthens and grows with time.  The more Jesus-centered your heart is the easier love comes.  Love is a declaration in your heart that you will care and be concerned for the good and well-being of another human being regardless of their response.  It is not always easy, but Jesus even wants us to take it a step further.  He doesn't just want us to love those who love us back.  He wants us to love our enemies, those who curse, hate, persecute, and spitefully use us.     

 

In verse 44, the word enemy is translated from the Greek word echthros which means 'adversary or foe whose actions and words manifest hate toward you'.  The co-worker who tried to have you fired.  The sibling who diligently works to keep everyone in your family from associating with you.  The ex-spouse who tries to turn your children against you.  The neighbor who intentionally destroys your property.  The unbeliever who does everything in their power to cause you to stumble and lose your testimony in front of others.  These are who we are called to love, and this love is only made possible through Jesus Christ.

 

Psalms 86:5 NLT says, "O Lord, You are so good, so ready to forgive, so full of unfailing love for ALL who ask for help!"  In our receiving of this wonderful forgiveness, we must also be ever giving of the forgiveness we have received.  We can't just give a little if we are to be like Jesus....we must be "full and abounding in mercy" (Ps.86:5 NKJV)    

 

My Bible's commentary says this, "Just as God indiscriminately sends the rain and sunshine on the just and unjust alike, so Jesus' disciples must be indiscriminate in their extension of love to friend and enemy ALIKE." 

 

TIME OF REFLECTION:
Is it just me or does it seem like Jesus is asking an impossible task of me when He tells me to LOVE those who HATE me?!  Jesus understood the weight of this task better than you or I because he endured hatred and persecution that most of us will never experience.  Take a look in Acts 26 at the life of Saul of Tarsus who is known for persecuting followers of Jesus, has a remarkable experience with the Lord, is converted and becomes a great missionary known as Apostle Paul.  If we were alive in that day Saul would have been considered our enemy and an enemy of Jesus.  Jesus chose to love Saul in spite of the persecution, and because of this, we see an amazing story of victory over the enemy!

In your journal, write down the names of those you would consider your enemy.  Find scripture about love/loving your neighbor under this list.  (Ex. Mark 12:31And the second, like it, is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”) Pray the scriptures over these names and ask the Lord to bless them, and to strengthen you for the task of loving them!  Be prepared to see victory!