November 12
It's much easier to love our friends than it is to love our enemies.
Three Thoughts
One of the hardest things Jesus asked of us is to love our enemies. Now, a lot of don't have "enemies" per se, but we do have people that get under our skin or maybe try to sabotage our plans. This command goes to those people too. Love them and pray for them.
MATTHEW 5:44
Paul gets practical here. He says, is your enemy hungry? Feed them. Thirsty? Give them a drink. He never says that we need to feel all of these warm feelings toward them, because the act of love, a lot of times, comes before the emotion.
ROMANS 12:20
Jesus gives four words for the people who hurt you: Love, do good, bless, and pray. He doesn't tell us to pretend like things didn't happen. Forgiveness is about trusting that God will handle the justice part. It's time to let it go.
LUKE 6:27-28
Two Quotes
Author C.S. Lewis on forgiveness:
"Everyone says forgiveness is a lovely idea, until they have something to forgive."
Speaker and author Corrie ten Boom on forgiving others:
"Jesus Christ had died for this man; was I going to ask for more?"
Prayer
Dear God, you prayed for the people who crucified you and I struggle to pray for the person who annoyed me at work last week. I ask that you would soften that part of me so I can bless others instead. In Jesus' name, amen.
Question
Whose name makes you tense up? Would you be willing to pray one blessing over them today?
P.S. I received so many emails of excitement towards an Advent devotional this year! You'll have one on the way in a few weeks!!