"But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven."
Matthew 5:44-45
NLT Bible
It's very easy to love people who are likeable and kind, treat us with respect and never do or say anything to hurt us. However, to love those who persecute and dislike us can prove to be quite difficult, but this is exactly what God commanded us to do. At some point in our lives, we will likely meet someone who will be hostile towards us, persecute us and try to make our lives miserable. When this happens, we become annoyed and may be tempted to retaliate in anger, wanting them to suffer for the pain they've inflicted on us.
This is not what God expects from us. We are to love those who persecute us, forgive them for what they've done and pray that God would bless them. When we hold on to the wrongs people have inflicted on us, we are only hurting ourselves and we become bitter, miserable and spiritually stagnant. However, if we choose to respond in love, we remain spiritually and emotionally healthy and our 'enemies' are positively impacted by our attitude. Oftentimes, people are vindictive and mean because of circumstances in their own lives and when we love and pray for them, we are opening the door for God's love to bring about change in their lives. When we do this, we are acting as true children of Almighty God.
Thank you Lord for loving me. Help me to forgive those who hurt and persecute me, to love and pray for them. I pray that I will always act as a true and worthy child and bring honour to Your Name. I love you, Jesus. Amen!
Be Blessed!
Lydia
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