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Devotional: Show Love to Your Enemy

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Devotional: Show Love to Your Enemy

In our broken world, we are often tempted to hate those who harm us. But Jesus teaches a radically different way of life: we are to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us. This kind of love mirrors the heart of God, who extends grace to all, even to those who oppose Him. Loving our enemies is not easy, but it is one of the clearest ways we can reflect the love of Christ to a watching world.

Scripture: Matthew 5:43-48

“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”

Devotional Thought: Show Love to Your Enemy

Jesus turns the conventional wisdom of His day upside down. While people thought it was natural to hate their enemies, Jesus calls us to love them instead. Why? Because God loves even those who are far from Him. God sends rain and sunshine to both the righteous and the unrighteous, showing His kindness to all people.

Loving our enemies is not a suggestion—it is a command. It goes against our natural inclinations, but it reflects the heart of God. Jesus says that when we love our enemies, we are acting like children of our heavenly Father. The love of God transcends our differences and our disagreements, and it calls us to do the same.

We are not to love only those who love us back. Even tax collectors—seen as traitors in Jesus’ time—do that. But Jesus sets a higher standard: we are to love as He loves, even those who wish us harm.

Bringing it Home: Applying What We Learned

  • Pray for Your Enemies: Begin by praying for those who have wronged you. Ask God to soften your heart toward them and to show His love through you.
  • Extend Kindness: Look for tangible ways to serve and love those who have hurt you. This could be through kind words, acts of service, or simply by refusing to retaliate.
  • Imitate God’s Love: Reflect the heart of your Heavenly Father by showing love and grace to both friend and foe, just as God does for you.

Prayer

Father, it is hard to love those who hurt us. But I ask for Your help to show love and grace, even to my enemies. Help me to reflect Your kindness and patience, just as You show kindness to everyone, regardless of their actions. Amen.

Questions for Reflection (Practical Steps to Show Love)

  • Who in your life do you consider an enemy or someone who has wronged you?
  • How can you begin to pray for this person and ask God to soften your heart towards them?
  • What tangible acts of kindness can you extend to this person this week?
  • How can you better reflect God’s love and grace in your daily interactions with others?

Take the Next Step on Your Journey

Thank you for joining me today. If you found this lesson helpful, I encourage you to explore more resources and support on my website, https://jameslongjr.org/. You can also watch my video on my YouTube channel.

Finally, would you consider joining our Lessons for Life monthly membership or our online group coaching, where you’ll find powerful coaching videos, a supportive community, and step-by-step guidance for lasting transformation?

Remember, true change is possible when you walk in God’s grace and for His glory. Until next time, may you find peace, hope, and joy in Christ alone. Blessings!

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