There is no gain from hate. There is no growth from murder. Should Christians feel the need to take revenge for a slight, a wrong, perceived or otherwise, the command is clear:
“Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you.” (Luke 6:27-28)
Jesus said this knowing fully well that His appointed time would require Him to give His life for the sins of others, bearing their cross and forgiving those who would torture Him, simply because He was telling the truth.
The expected reward for which a Christian would hope is not to suffer at the hands of others for doing good. However quite often, that is not the case. Quite often, in fact, we will suffer trials for the very good we do. And unlike what certain churches preach today, those same trials will be at the hands of our enemies.
It is in those occasions when Jesus’ words ring crisp. For how easy is it to love those who love us? But to love our enemies as ourselves requires God’s love to flow through us by the Holy Spirit so that it is not us receiving the glory for our forgiveness but God. And if we take a moment to see through the eyes of our enemies, we may understand their heart and take pity on them. For we, too, never knew the truth about forgiveness and about how it would free us from bitterness had God not shown it to us through Christ Jesus’ sacrifice.
Oh, how great the power of forgiveness truly is when we bless our enemies!
Looking to God 
Excellent post Jack. It is so challenging to love the difficult people we encounter and engage with in our lives. Yet, I am reminded that God loves me warts and all, which surely has to be challenging. In that same vein, I must love others. Blessings.
Once we realize they are trapped in sin, there is no other choice than to feel humbled for knowing God had called us out of that same sin, which ensnared us also; and to have mercy on them for their imprisonment.
Very true. Thank you for posting.
God bless.
Great message indeed!!
Blessings!
Thank you!”
““Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you.” (Luke 6:27-28)”
On this day or remembrance it seem fitting to include a plea to end Abortion; “the fifth Commandment is “thou shalt NOT kill” {unnecessarly .)…. So many DIED for the freedom of others; and abortion {most often out of “convenience” } many the life’s of the sacrificed less meaningful.
To emulate Jesus we MUST Love!
God Bless,
Patrick
Powerful !