Love your Enemies
I've joined three Facebook groups called, "Evolutionists vs Creationists", “Atheists vs Theists”, and “Lies in the Bible”. The main reason was to engage in Christian apologetics.
The conversations and comments in these groups were hostile towards God, his word and christian followers. This was very concerning for me and I took offense. So I began writing back comments filled with hell fire, and brimstone upon them.
I was even thinking of the weeping, wailing and gnashing of teeth in hell that was awaiting these ungodly individuals, and with condescending words I lashed out to justify my offense. This was the wrong approach and far from the heart of Jesus.
“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, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you.”
(Matthew 5:43-44)
Loving your enemies is a powerful way to overcome evil with good. By responding to hostility or hatred with godly love and forgiveness, we as Christians aim to break the cycle of revenge and promote reconciliation and peace.
It's not merely an emotional feeling but an act of will. Treating your enemies with compassion, forgiveness, and empathy involves a deliberate choice.
It's a call to love without conditions, irrespective of how they treat you personally.
Jesus teaches that loving one's enemies reflects the character of God. God's love is often described as unconditional and all-encompassing.
Besides loving your enemies, Jesus encourages his followers to pray for them.
When Christians love their enemies, it can be a powerful testimony to their faith. It demonstrates the transformative power of Christ's teachings and the ability of His followers to respond to challenging situations with grace.
For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son that whosoever believes in him shall have everlasting life. (John 3: 16)
Whenever you feel angry or offended by those who hate God, like I did, remember Jesus' example and put it into practice with a humble heart.
Marcel & Jackie Bruff
@walkgoodinchrist
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