Devotional: Love Your Enemies

Some, or a lot of us have enemies. They're the ones trying to ruin our lives. Or even worse, destroy them. And maybe some of us wish for justice to come swiftly for our enemies. We also might begin to hate them ourselves. Remember, the hate that drove them to hurt you can drive you to hate them back. Are we supposed to hate them, though? No, we're not. We're actually told to love them. And it doesn't matter what they've done, we can't hate.

Jesus is our example of what to do when we're surrounded by our enemies. Do we hurt those with the same hurt they gave us? We'd be like them, and we don't want to do that. Will your enemy stop harassing you if you show them love? I don't know, but all we can do is try. Because of Jesus, we're different from our enemies. We're actually told to love those that persecute us. I know that's hard, but it releases us from their earthly harm.

It's important to know that they can't take that freedom from your spirit. They can't make you hate them. Nothing that they can do will keep you from being loved by Jesus. Watch out, though. Satan may try to use your enemies to hurt or kill you, but he won't win. You may face hardship, but Jesus has you. All we need to do is love. Love everyone we can. Give your love to anyone you come across. It might just change their hearts.

If you're facing a battle today, know that you're not alone. Unfortunately, we're constantly bombarded by hate. In this world, we're told to look down on others. Don't fall into the same trap. And be careful. You don't want to become someone's enemy. Be a peace-giver instead. Love all that come in contact with you. Be like Jesus to those that hate. We can only change the world with our love. Make it a radical point to love your enemies. 

Be radical. Love those that hate you.

"But I say to you who hear, love your enemies, do good to those that hate you." - Luke 6:27 NASB

Many blessings,

- Grace Thorson