Love Any Way

August 18, 2023

"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;" Matthew 5:44

One of the most difficult things to do is to try to be nice to someone who is not nice to you. We all have run into someone who no matter what we do they have a problem with us. They make it no secret that they do not like us, and they have no problem letting everyone know their feelings. They will stop at nothing to try to take us out, and make our life miserable. It would seem the right thing to do would be to fight back against their attacks and to make sure we protect ourselves. The Scripture gives us another direction to take in reminding us to love our enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you. I encourage you today to love your enemies, even when they are making it hard for you to love them. Not only does Jesus require you to love your enemies, but you should bless them that curse you and do good to them that hate you, and pray for them who use and persecute you. This can be a tall order to follow especially when people are blatantly mean and evil towards you. It is in these times you should look to God in prayer and pray for those who are using you and trying to persecute you. Pray for those who hate you and have evil intentions towards you, and repay them with kindness. This may all seem difficult to do, because you know what your enemy is capable of, but this is what Christ requires of you. Before you were saved you did not make it easy for Christ to love you, but He loved you anyway. You did things and said things which were not always the best, but Christ loved you despite your faults, and this is what He requires of you for those in your life who are not making it easy for you to love them. Although it is not easy, I am going to love my enemies, and do good to them, and most of all I am going to pray for them, knowing the same God who changed me can change them. Since I will love and pray for my enemies, I know for sure, 'It's My Year To Get My Thing From My God!

Prayer:

Lord thank you for loving me even when I was not easy to love. Thank you for caring for me through all my trials and tribulations. Thank you for all you do for me. Help me to show your love to all people, even those who despitefully use me and let your love be shown through me. I love you Lord. In Jesus Name Amen.

Be Inspired, Rev. Dr. Stephen W. Pogue, Pastor
Greater Centennial A.M.E. Zion Church
Mount Vernon, NY