Love your enemies Part I

Luke 6:27-31
But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, [28] Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you. [29] And unto him that smiteth thee on the one cheek offer also the other; and him that taketh away thy cloke forbid not to take thy coat also. [30] Give to every man that asketh of thee; and of him that taketh away thy goods ask them not again. [31] And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.

This is a continuation of our love study. How should we treat others? The Bible says to love them. Love is a strong word. I can like my enemies, maybe, but to love them – well I don’t know about that.

Let’s look at this a little closer. The Lord Jesus is speaking in these verses. Verse 27 says “I say unto you which hear” It’s our choice we can listen or not listen. He is talking to those which hear, the ones who want to understand.

Love your enemies. I admit this is hard. Once again I am not saying this is easy, but it is right. The right thing to do is never easy. Think about someone you do not like; someone who probably did something to hurt your feelings. The Bible says we need to love them. How can we show love?

We need to act in a loving manner when we are with them. It might be someone who did or said something to offend you. It may be a family member who you see often but don’t speak to. The Bible says to love them. Do good to them that hate you. Do something good, say a kind word, do a kind deed, bring them a plate of cookies, the possibilities are endless.

Holding grudges only makes it worse. I had two family members who did not speak for 18 years. Imagine, eighteen long years. This did not just affect them, but affected the rest of the family. Love is the only thing that can break the cycle from continuing. You need to take the first step.

What else should we do to our enemies? How about bless them and pray for them? Again, this is not an easy assignment. Put their name on your prayer list, ask God to soften your heart toward them. When we pray for them, the Lord starts a work in our heart.

When people treat you badly for the cause of Christ, consider it an honor and turn your cheek. Remember the Lord knows what is happening. Keep your focus on Him. Be helpful and kind in all situations.

The last verse of today’s scripture ends with the golden rule. If we make this our motto we will always treat people the correct way.

Have a great day.
Donna