“But if you are willing to listen, I say, love your enemies. Do good to those who hate you. Pray for the happiness of those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you. If someone slaps you on one cheek, turn the other cheek. If someone demands your coat, offer your shirt also. Give what you have to anyone who asks you for it; and when things are taken away from you, don’t try to get them back. Do for others as you would like them to do for you.
Luke 6:27-31
TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL LINK
Upper Room - 06/26/06
Who is it that you have on your list of enemies? That person who hurt you in some way … caused you either physical or emotional harm … took from you … lied to you … lied on you. Maybe it is someone who hurt someone you love. Whoever is on your enemy list, it is not natural to love them.
Jesus says, “… if you are willing to listen…” In the natural, loving those on your enemy list is the last thing you want to hear. Loving your enemy is an act of the will. It will not come naturally. It will only spring forth from the fruit of the spirit.
As you read about your enemy list today, did some names pop into your mind? Now you must decide what to do with those names. I suggest you do what Jesus said do. Start by praying for their happiness and good fortune. Pray for them every day for a week. I believe you will find it difficult to continue to hate those who you spend time lifting before the throne of God’s grace. Allow the Spirit to work on your heart and theirs.
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