Loving The Enemy

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Matthew 5:44

"But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you."

 

Bible Reading for A Year: Psalms 7; Matthew 7; 2 Kings 5-6

Archbishop Cranmer is known by many people as someone who has the ability to love those who have hurt him. Moreover some people state that if you want to be friends with him, his heart should be hurted first. Then, he will serve and love you. Indeed, loving the enemy is not easy. We tend to be easier to say, "If he's so evil to me, I will hit him back double." However, repay evil to evil is the way of the world.

The Bible reveals a very different way to the world. To face the enemy, we do not need to rush to use weapons or fists, but with love. In contrast, the children of God avenge those who mistreat and persecute them not by violence or hatred, but with prayer. These are the principles of God's children. If we behave and do any kindness only to those who also do a same thing to us, then what is the difference between children of God with people who do not know God? (Matthew 5: 45.46)

To practice this command is not easy. However, if we claim ourselves as children of God, we should do it. Let's start with small steps. Pray for our enemies, and then do a simple thing for them. As what Matthew Henry said, a minister in the 16th century, please learn not to reply slur to slur, but with any polite and gentle words - RY
 

True love will be tested in tough times

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