Memorize: Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; Matthew 5:43 & 44
Devotional Reading: Matthew 5:1-48
Many people have argued that this is an extremely difficult command, especially when it comes to those who act as enemies. Many would go as far as saying, it just not possible to practice of this glorious command of “Love your enemy”. They would go on to say that it is extreme and far from being practical. However, when you look at it, this command is possible and absolute necessity for the survival of our civilization. Yes, it is love that will save our world and our civilisation, not hate, the kind of love that will even make us love our enemies and do good to those who despitefully use us.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said: “Darkness cannot drive out darkness” only light can do that; “Hate cannot drive out hate” only love can do that.
True love is what we need in our world today; love that can forgive all offences, errors, wrong judgements, opinions and even our enemies who despitefully use us and persecute us.
Someone once asked me, and said – ‘pastor, is it really possible to love our enemies? Those who hate us and wish us bad without any just cause? Hmnnn, I understand that angle that the questioner was coming from, and I agree that it can be very difficult, however, I know that it is possible by the grace of God and I answered and said “yes, it is possible to love our enemies, even when they hate us and have done us wrong, we must still love them for the sake of Christ and our eternity. Nothing must be too big for us to give up for Christ and for Heaven, the joy and comfort in heaven if we make it will wipe away in a flash every pain and hurt we may have suffered while here on earth, we must also remember that this unspeakable joy, peace and comfort is for ever and ever.
I understand and accept that it can sometimes be very difficult to practice this tall command, especially when the pain they inflicted on us was so severe. Our human emotions want us
to resent our enemies but we must pray for the grace of God to help us in such situations. Most times, their evil acts against us are propelled by the evil one who act behind the scene. If we are not careful, we will see incorrectly and chose the wrong priority.
We need to have spiritual discernment and clear understanding of the word of God, we must be guided by the Holy Spirit to know who is our real enemy. Many of us ignorantly misplace our real enemy, instead of looking with our spiritual eyes, we judge by the physical, I pray that the LORD will turn all our enemies to be at peace with us, if any of them refuse to be at peace with us but become bent to be our enemy, then God will make them to become our footstool, we will sear on top of them in victory in Jesus name
Satan excels at fuelling blame, hate and unforgiveness. He try to break up marriages, He try to turn the heart of a loving son or daughter against their loving parents, He cheers when we harbour deep resentments that slowly close us off from those around us.
While there are harmful and unsafe people, we do not need to become a part of the hate cycle.
The antidote to a defensive spirit is compassion, love, humility, and forgiveness.
“All change comes from deepening your understanding of the salvation of Christ and living out the changes that understanding creates in your heart.”
Jesus reveals through his words and actions that although it is excruciating and sacrificial to bless and love our enemies, it is the only way to live and it attract earthly and eternal reward.
1 Peter 4:8; And above all things have fervent charity amongst yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.
If there is anytime you struggle with loving your enemies; think about how much wrong things you have done to God and others around you, yet, God loves you and gave his ONLY begotten son Jesus Christ to die for you. He still loves you, you too must love others, even your enemies!
May the LORD give you the heart of understanding, grace to accept and wisdom to practice this great command so that we can live to please the LORD.
Prayers point : Remember that the three great pillars in life are: Faith, Hope and Charity, but the greatest of these is charity
Key Dose: Remember that the three great pillars in life are: Faith, Hope and Charity, but the greatest of these is charity
Pastor James Ademuyiwa
Senior Pastor
In His Presence Christ Tabernacle
