Just A Few Of My Thoughts…

“But if you will listen, I say to you, love your enemies and do something wonderful for them in return for their hatred. When someone curses you, bless that person in return. When you are mistreated and harassed by others, accept it as your mission to pray for them. To those who despise you, continue to serve them and minister to them. If someone takes away your coat, give him as a gift your shirt as well. When someone comes to beg from you, give to that person what you have. When things are wrongly taken from you, do not demand they be given back. However, you wish to be treated by others is how you should treat everyone else.” Matthew 6:27-31 TPT

It’s unfortunate, but most of us have dealt with one or more persons that’s simply difficult to get along with, maybe even within our own families. So, how do we cope with these individuals, replacing hatred for love, in a way that would be pleasing to our Lord?

In this passage, Jesus is describing the golden rule for our living, treating others as we desire to be treated. We are to love our enemies, not affectionately, but respectfully, remembering His unconditional love for us. We are to follow His example, by making a conscious effort to keep them in our prayers. As we are approaching this Christmas season, imagine the difference that could be made, if all of us followed this teaching from Jesus to simply Love Our Enemies.

Heavenly Father, help us to remember to look beyond ourselves, to pray for those who mistreat us, asking for your direction, and be ever so thankful.

In Christ Love

Margaret