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Sunday, December 8, 2024

Heart of Devotion: Daily Reflections on Spiritual Growth

MONDAY, 9 DECEMBER 2024

 

TEXT: MATTHEW 5:43-48

 

43: “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’

 

44: But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,

 

45: that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.

 

46: If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that?

 

47: And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that?

 

48: Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

 

(New International Version Holy Bible)

 

TOPIC: LOVE YOUR ENEMIES

 

The teachings of Jesus here do not sit well with many contemporary believers because they feel that, because they have been pushed to the wall, they must react.

 

Because the provocation, hatred, persecution, etc, only seem to be on the increase, some Christians believe that the best way out is to devise violent means with of dealing with the enemy. But Jesus charges His children to love their enemies and pray for those who persecute them as a mark of their relationship with them.

 

We need to understand that the love of the God we serve reaches both the righteous and the unrighteous through meeting their needs.

 

As you live today and always, plan to love and pray for those who hate and persecute you so as to enjoy the blessings of God.

 

QUESTION: How do you treat those you consider your enemies?

 

PRAYER: Loving those who persecute me is a difficult thing for me to do, dear Lord. Help me to love and pray for them so as to fulfil Your purposes for my life in Jesus name. Amen.

Remain Blessed      

ECWA Food For The Day, 2024.

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