Love Those Who Hate You

But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. Matthew 5:44

Social media has created a monster of sorts. I admire those friends of mine who have not felt the urge to get on it for whatever reason. It has created a new modern phenomena,  that being superficial friendships and the dreaded monster of being unliked or unfriended. Ouch, those words sting don't they?

Don't put too much stock in Facebook first of all. To be a friend you have to be a friend and that means spending time with your friends and making time for them. There may be those who have been your friend in real life but now don't like you anymore. I can't imagine not liking people cause I was taught to love and be kind. Not everyone is the same. Sometimes deep rooted problems can cause reactions to different people as well so don't  take everything real hard if it happens to you. 

Your job as a follower of Jesus is to love and not hate. That means the vile politician, the rude store clerk, the difficult co worker, the aloof family member, the divisive inlaws, even those who curse you. Pray for these people. Maybe something has hurt a person that has created the monster they have become. Continue to pray God would help you love them, period!

PRAYER: Your desire is for me to be a representative of you and your kingdom. I can't do that gossiping, backbiting, hating, and judging. Create in me a renewed heart full of love and compassion. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Pray For Your Enemies

But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. Matthew 5:44

Do you have enemies? Perhaps an ex spouse? An estranged relative? Maybe a friend who betrayed you or turned their back on you? A hard to please employer? Someone trying to sue you? Whatever you are dealing with you are to not harbor hatred and bitterness in your heart, especially if you call yourself a Christian. If God is love,how does hating or speaking evil of people fit into that? It doesn't.

Someone once told me if you feel tempted to talk about people or judge them to start saying instead, "I love that person,that person, and yes that person too." The author of hate is Satan,the devil. Yes he is real and we are at warfare daily with him. He is out to rob you of joy and cause you to show contempt for others. Don't fall prey to his lousy schemes. Instead wake up and make a point to love people and pray for those who hurt you.

Your assignment today and every day is to love your enemies. Don't get back at them but instead find ways to pray for them and forgive them.

PRAYER: Lord you are good and your goodness is forever. I want to be like you and in order to do this I need to love everyone even those hard to love. Give me your power to do this. In Jesus' name. Amen.