Scripture:
You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your father in heaven.
– Matthew 5:43-45
The danger with familiar texts is that they can lose their impact. Read this passage a few times and think about the instruction that Jesus is giving us. We are to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us. This is different from people who disagree with us or our way of thinking. As God’s children, we want to get this one right. Ask the Holy Spirit to show you how to love in this way.
Prayer: Lord, help me love my enemies. Teach me how to do this. I give up my own anger and ego needs and ask that You give me Your love for others. I desire to be your child. I want to please You only.
Petition: For God to help us love our enemies and practice praying for those who persecute us. That we will desire to be God’s children and follow His will more than we desire our own way.