The topic today is sometimes one we don’t want to hear, but my friend, that is all the more reason for me to share it with you.
Matthew 5:44 – “But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you.”
Loving our enemies might be one of the hardest commands Jesus ever gave. It goes against our natural instinct to protect ourselves, defend our feelings, or distance from those who hurt us. And if I may say so myself, I have grown quite tired of being “the bigger person.” Yet Jesus calls us to something higher—something supernatural.
Why? Because love is the evidence that we belong to God, according to 1 John 4:16.
Matthew 5:45 says that when we love those who oppose us, we reflect our Father in heaven. God loves even those who reject, deny, or rebel against Him. He shows kindness to the ungrateful and mercy to the undeserving. When we love our enemies, we are choosing to look like Him.
Loving your enemies does not mean pretending their actions are right. It does not mean allowing harm or staying in unsafe situations. It means you choose to respond in a way that honors God rather than react out of hurt. You can practice this by choosing forgiveness instead of bitterness, praying for those who hurt you, and leaving justice for God himself.
When we love our enemies, we free ourselves. Hatred chains the heart, but love breaks the chain. Forgiveness does not excuse the wrong—it releases you from its power.
Jesus showed us how. As He hung on the cross, wounded and rejected, He prayed for His enemies: “Father, forgive them.” (Luke 23:34)
If Jesus could love in His deepest suffering, He can empower you to love in your moments of pain.
Where can you put these perspectives into practice in your life?
Prayer
Lord, help me to love like You. When people hurt me, give me the strength to forgive. When I feel angry or rejected, remind me that You loved me even when I was far from You. Teach me to bless, pray for, and show kindness to those who oppose me. Fill my heart with Your compassion and free me from bitterness. I desire clean hands and a pure heart. In Jesus’ name, amen.
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