Love Your Enemies by Ann Elaine Broughton
“Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord (Romans 12:19 NIV).
Has someone done something wrong to you? Are you desiring to seek revenge? It is very easy to want harm to come to those who have treated you wrongly, but Jesus said we are to love our enemies.
That is very hard to do, but if Jesus could forgive those who brutally hurt him when he was crucified, we too can forgive those who treat us badly.
There have been times in my life when others have hurt me deeply and I was tempted to really want to get even. I believe it is the nature of all of us to say, “That isn’t fair”. It doesn’t solve anything though to counteract with nastiness to those who treat us unfairly, and let’s face it, life isn’t fair at all. You can expect to have someone wrong you in this life. How you behave at this time will show if you truly are a child of God. You see Christians are to act differently when they are wronged.
Jesus put it this way: “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you that you may be sons of your Father in Heaven” (Matthew 5:44 NIV) This is difficult to do, but it isn’t impossible or Jesus wouldn’t have told you to do it. Remember you have the power of the Holy Spirit in you to help you love those who wrong you. Rely on that power and you will be able to do this very thing that seems impossible.
Pray for those who are your enemies and find out that your heart will be changed towards them. I feel sorry for those who are constantly causing trouble. I believe that people who are nasty need our prayers desperately. I can’t imagine going through life always seeing negative in everything. Let your light shine in their lives so that they will see Christ’s love in you. They will wonder at your attitude and might ask you why you are different. That is your chance to show them how the peace of Christ can change their lives. Think of someone this week who needs to have an attitude adjustment and pray for them.
Dear Lord,
Help me to view everyone, even my enemies, through your loving eyes. Help me to be positive around them and not seek revenge. Give me an opportunity to share your love with them.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen
