Dear friends,
The passage of Scripture below is a challenging one. It’s something that doesn’t come naturally to us, something only God can help us do.
27 “But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. Luke 6:27-28 NIV
What comes more naturally to us is “an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth”, would you agree?
Perhaps you are a person who very naturally loves your enemies – you are amazing if that’s you! Personally, I need help with this.
One thing I need help with is discerning when I am in “enemy mode”. I may not hate this person obviously or overtly, but if I harbor contempt in my heart towards someone I am in “enemy mode”. Those seeds of contempt are a form of hatred.
If I’ve hardened my heart toward someone I ask Jesus to show me how He sees that person. Even if that person isn’t safe for me to be with, I can know the Lord’s heart towards him/her and ask Him to soften mine. We can care for even the worst of sinners just as Jesus did because He lives inside of us.
I’d like to spend this month pondering this topic and would love to hear your thoughts and your stories of how you have shifted out of enemy mode toward someone.
I’m with you on this journey!
Warmly,
Terri
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