Be Still . . .
Devotionals for Daily Living ©
But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also. If someone takes your cloak, do not stop him from taking your tunic. Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. Do to others as you would have them do to you.
(Luke 6:27-31 (NIV))
At what point do you think that God allows us to stop loving our enemies?
And, yes, this could very easily be a trick question.
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
(John 3:16 (NIV))
With that in mind, every single person is a loved child of God.
Does God stop loving? Does Jesus stop loving?
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.
(1 Corinthians 13:13 (NIV))
Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.
(1 Peter 4:8 NIV))
Love is a powerful force. It can turn an enemy into a brother. It can turn a foe into a friend. It can restore relationships that seem to be lost. It can bring healing and wholeness.
Do you remember the words that Jesus spoke on the cross?
Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.
(Luke 23:34 (NIV))
If Jesus can pronounce forgiveness and love after suffering what He suffered on the cross, how can we do any less?
Copyright 1998 – 2020 Dennis J. Smock
Daily Living Ministries, Inc.
http://www.dailylivingministries.org
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