“But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked.”
– Luke 6:35
Yesterday we talked about EGRs, or those people in our lives who require extra grace. We agreed that the best way to deal with them is to love them. Today, I want to elaborate on how we do that, particularly the fact that our ability to love does not come from a place of trying harder, but rather from transformed character. You see, when we submit to the work of Jesus and cultivate true faith and selflessness, agape love bubbles up from within us! Loving our enemies is not a spontaneous happening, nor is it an end in itself. Rather, it is the fruit of a faith that understands that God knows best. Even when we endure unjust treatment, He is faithful. When we understand that He only wants what’s good for us, even in the midst of pain, we believe He is working things out for our benefit. That kind of childlike faith is the first step towards cultivating a character that loves those who persecute it. Friend, a vital part of developing a faith that trusts Jesus in the midst of mistreatment is a willingness to let go of what you think is wrong or of what you think you deserve. Forgo your right to get even, to talk back, or to make sure justice is served in the way you think it should be. When you do this and let go and let God, your trust in His goodness is affirmed and a genuine, powerful love is made known. Loving your enemies is the result of a heart that is rooted and established in the grace and goodness of Jesus, Who is love’s embodiment!! |
Prayer
Jesus, I want to love my enemies from a place of childlike faith in your fatherly goodness. I ask for a heart that is more like yours.
Reflection
How does Jesus enable you to love your enemies?
If you’re unable to attend your local church or need some additional weekly inspiration, be sure to tune into Hour of Power every Saturday night at 6:30 p.m. PT on TBN or watch online at hourofpower.org/episode.
One Response
Letting go and letting God is like a breath of fresh air! I can go about my day without obsessing about someone who hurt me. It’s freeing. I’m not looking through the rear view mirror, and I can look forward. Thank God.