Loving Enemies // Matthew 5:44

I’ve never been one to have enemies. Sure, there are a few people I have struggled to get along with. What blows me away is how God still works within those relationships to make me better as opposed to bitter. Getting caught up in grudges and spats puts that person and my abrasive feelings at the forefront of my mind. Can you relate? If I have those thoughts and feelings dominating me, then there is little (if any) space for the Holy Spirit to work. I think this is why Jesus made the statement He did that we are called to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us. Why? Because this is precisely what God did for us in Jesus! Romans 5:8 says, “God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” This is the ultimate example of what it means to love others, even when they…or we…are unlovable. Loving the unlovable primed with prayer works a miracle in our lives when it puts God at the top of mind and reminds us that God loves those we feel don’t deserve the gesture. So, take Jesus’ advice to pray for even your worst enemy so you’re reminded of God’s love and Jesus’ sacrifice so we all may know the glory of salvation.