Week 3 | Day 4 | Love Like Jesus

Command:

Love your enemies!

Read:

“But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. Luke 6:27-28 (NIV)

Reflect:

As I read Luke 6:27-28, I must admit that it's a hard teaching for me to follow. I grew up in a very broken family, where love and forgiveness were in short supply. As a result, I have been divorced twice and have been away from my children. I have many people in my life that I would consider enemies, and the idea of loving them seems like an impossible task.

But then I was reminded of something truly remarkable. Even though I am an enemy of Jesus, he loved me so much that he willingly laid down his life for me. Despite my flaws and imperfections, he chose to love me unconditionally.

If Jesus can love me like that, then surely, I can learn to love those who have hurt me. It won't be easy, and there may be times when I stumble or fall. With the help of the Holy Spirit, I know that I can overcome my anger and bitterness and learn to love my enemies as Jesus as loved me.

React:

How can you practice forgiveness and love towards those who have hurt you or whom you consider to be your enemies? In what ways can you follow Jesus' example of love and compassion when dealing with conflict and difficult people in your life? How can you surrender your anger and bitterness to the Holy Spirit and reflect God's love and grace to those around you?

Pray:

Dear God, thank you for the teachings of Jesus. Please help me to love my enemies and do good to those who hate me, even when it's difficult. Please give me the strength to bless those who curse me and pray for those who mistreat me. Help me to respond to conflict with kindness and compassion, and to practice forgiveness and reconciliation in my relationships. Please guide me in following Jesus' example of loving and serving those who are difficult to love. Amen.