When Jesus said in Matthew 5:44, “Love your enemies,” who exactly did he mean? In elementary school, the enemy is the big, mean bully who picks on other kids. In adulthood, the enemy looks quite different.
What if the enemy is a former friend who betrayed you? Or a co-worker who seems determined to make you look bad? Or, worse yet, what if it’s someone in your family–a child, a sibling, or your spouse?
God’s command is the same: Love. No matter who the hostile person is, show them love.
Extending love in the face of persecution isn’t easy, and it’s definitely not natural. In fact, it’s impossible without God’s help. Only through the power of the Holy Spirit can you show kindness to people who are hateful toward you.
When someone spews toxic words in your face or does horrible things to you, remember one thing: That person is not the enemy. The evil behavior they’re demonstrating comes from somewhere else. Actually, from someone else–from Satan, the father of lies. He is your real enemy. Satan is completely opposed to you and to all Christ followers. His goal is to destroy your joy, hope, peace, and faith. . . and, eventually, your life.
But the good news is: God is on your side! The Lord is your Defender, and he fights for you! So you don’t have to take revenge when people hurt you. You don’t need to come up with some plan to make them pay for what they did. Instead, take your pain to the Lord in prayer, and let him comfort you. Trade your seething anger for his perfect peace.
God is patient with us. He knows sometimes it takes a few days for us to get to the point of surrender. But when we do, it’s a sweet time of letting go. You and I weren’t designed to carry the burdens of bitterness and resentment. Such emotions only cause more wounds and end up stunting spiritual growth.
Ask the Lord to reveal any unforgiveness in your heart. If he shows you something, confess it. Then, pray for anyone in your life you would classify as an enemy. Pray that person will know the love of God in a personal way.
During this time i really need God to help me forgive myself first for living in darkness where his laws and commandments didn’t really matter to me, in fact i had forgotten who i was in the lord.
and would also like to forgive the ones who have hurt me to deeply, i have casted all my burdens unto him. hoping and praying that he who knows (Jesus Christ) will make a plan and a way for me to overcome all the challenges i am faced with.
Love
Happiness
Thank you for your comments. The Lord is faithful to forgive us when we come to him in humility. May God fill your heart with joy and peace as you rest in His love!
Thank you so much for your sharing. The struggle is ongoing, but the devil is indeed a liar.
GOD HELP ME !!!!!!!!!!! BETRAYED BY A FRIEND N MY DAUGHTER…………HELP ME TO FORGIVE LORD I NEED YOU NOW IN JESUS NAME …………DANIEL FAST IS JUST WHAT I NEED TO GET IN GOD PRESENCE………HE SAYS SOMETHINGS ONLY COME BY FASTING N PRAYING…………AMEN
The Lord will help you! You have come to God in humility, admitting your need for his help. “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Heb. 4:16 ESV).
Oh this was just what I needed and I’m going to be in agreement with my good friend and sister in Christ and do the Daniel fast
I’m so glad to hear it! May God bless you abundantly as you seek him!