Love and Pray for Your Enemies

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. Matthew 5:43-48

In Matthew 5, Jesus sees the large crowd of people and he begins to teach on many topics and one being love for your enemies. Jesus gives us clear instructions (red letters) that we are to love our enemies and pray for them. The world has a different set of instructions like, post your dislike on social media, gossip, try and get them back for the action and never forgive them. Paul gives us instruction in Romans 12:17-21, 17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. 20 On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Scripture is clear that we must love and pray for our enemies but that is difficult if we have unforgiveness in our hearts. These scriptures are truths that challenge the world’s thinking but be bold and trust that God is going to walk through loving and praying for your enemies.

Pastor Kendra Scott