Wednesday, September 10, 2014

Pray For Those Who Persecute You

You have heard that it was said, You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy; But I tell you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you…. Matthew 5:43-44 Amplified 

Love your neighbor as yourself…love your enemies. Jesus teaches more than just loving our enemies…But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for He Himself is kind to ungrateful and evil men. Luke 6:35. Who are our enemies? Those who are doing battle/fighting with the United States…but closer to home, those who just have different goals and ideals than we have. They may be of another religion—wanting to persecute the Christians. Yes. I’d agree that they would be my “enemy” but we can even see enemies as subversive groups who would want to change the American way of life…and seek a communist agenda for our nation. Pray for those who would persecute you. That was Jesus’ advice—good for His followers then and good for us now. Pray.  

RSVP: Jesus is telling us to love even our enemies…love—do good for them—lend them food, clothing, shelter and expect nothing in return. Treat them with respect and pray for them. How will you respond to Him today?

Prayer ~ Dear Jesus, there are people with whom I don’t feel comfortable and it’s hard to love an enemy. But because You’ve directed us to “love your enemies” I will do what I can to show them grace, compassion, and to do good things for them. I pray that they would come to know You as their Lord and Savior. That is more important than anything in life. Thank you for hearing my prayers.

© 2014 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.
All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.

 

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