JESUS SPEAKING
“But I say to you who hear: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you. To him who strikes you on the one cheek, offer the other also. And for him who takes away your cloak, do not withhold your tunic either. Give to everyone who asks of you. And from him who takes away your goods do not ask them back. And just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise.” (Luke 6: 27 – 31) “But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High. For He is kind to the unthankful and evil. Therefore be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful.” (Luke 6: 35 – 36)
INSPIRED THOUGHTS
The ultimate purpose of every human being is to be a reflection of Jesus Christ upon this earth. In His physical absence, genuine believers must manifest the attributes of God. In turn, others will see the Lord in us and be compelled to acknowledge His presence and accept salvation. We are told that God shows kindness to even His worst enemies. Therefore we must display similar affection toward those who have wronged us. This supernatural response to hatred is a powerful tool which can convict and convince sinners to repent and become believers.
As the story goes, in the year 1818, Tamatoe, King of Huahine, one of the South Sea Islands, became a Christian. Soon after, he discovered a plot among his fellow natives to seize him and the other converts and to burn them to death. In response, he organized a band to attack the plotters. Thankfully he managed to capture them unaware. Still, the king displayed no carnal rage; they weren’t beaten, imprisoned, or executed. Instead he prepared a great feast and set it before them. This act of unexpected kindness surprised the savages, who promptly burned their idols and became Christians.
Showing love for others is easy; showing love for our enemies, without God’s help, is nearly impossible. When we love our enemies, God’s immeasurable affection for mankind is revealed in the presence of many. If we wish to accurately reflect God’s heart, we must assist our adversaries when they are in need. We can pray for them, provide for their financial needs, and use our resources for their betterment.
“Lord Heavenly Father, may we express love for all those who hate us. May we discard any resentments we’ve been harboring and forgive those who have visited harm upon us. May our enemies be blessed, may they experience Your enduring love, and may they surrender to You and be reborn through the power of Your Holy Spirit. We love You Father, we praise You, and we thank You, and we ask and pray all of these things, according to Your will, in Jesus Christ’s name. Amen.” God bless all of you!
Jesus Speaks 