Matthew 5: 43-45
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;
That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.
What Of Today’s Verse…
We often talk about the privileges of being a child of God—forgiveness, salvation, a future in heaven with him, the gift of the Holy Spirit, and ultimate victory when Christ comes.
One of the greatest privileges we get, however, is the opportunity to act toward those who dislike and hate us in a way that reflects the character of God himself.
Anyone can return hate for hate, but it takes a child of God to return a blessing and a prayer for their enemies.
Let Us Pray:
Father, thank you for loving me when I was still an enemy to you. Thank you for risking the death of your Son to offer me the chance to accept or reject your love.
As you have promised, please pour your love into my heart so I may love even my enemies as you have loved me.
Through Jesus, the gift of your love, I pray. Amen.’
Words Of Wisdom
Forgive…
In giving and receiving forgiveness, I am greatly blessed.
The biblical story of Job relates the power of forgiveness in even the most challenging circumstances. Job’s faith was tested, and much of his humiliation came at the hands of friends who pretended to be helpful, but who were mocking him. The moment Job prayed for his friends, his relationships and fortunes were restored.
As Job did, I can pray for the well-being of others in a powerful restorative act of forgiveness. I forgive others for treating me with anything less than respect and honor. I forgive myself for thinking of myself as anything less than whole, abundant, worthy, and divine. This inner resurgence of forgiveness impacts all areas of my life in positive ways.
In forgiving, I experience forgiveness, and I am greatly blessed.
“And the Lord restored the fortunes of Job when he had prayed for his friends; and the Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before.”–Job 42:10
Whatever you do, make it an offering to me—the food you eat, the sacrifices you make, the help you give, even your suffering. In this way you will be freed from the bondage of karma, and from its results both pleasant and painful. Then, firm in renunciation and yoga, with your heart free, you will come to me.
