The Sermon on the Mount – Love Your Enemies

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Matthew 5:43-48

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’

But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,

that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.

If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that?

And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that?

Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

I would like to clarify the meaning of “perfect” in the last verse before we get started. The original Greek word is teleios (tel’-i-os) and means complete:- growth, mental and moral character.

I like the Amplified Translation of the verse 48: You, therefore, must be perfect [growing into complete maturity of godliness in mind and character, having reached the proper height of virtue and integrity] as your Heavenly Father is perfect.

When we can love our enemies, then we are really getting somewhere in our growth as a Christian. Love is the whole point of Christianity. Love is what created it. The love of a Holy God for His sin filled creation. The Love of a Savior, Who innocently suffered and died for all who sin. Love is what we are called to do. Love is the first commandment that Jesus gave us. To love God and love our neighbor. Love.

It’s not always easy to love. I believe the main reason for this is because we allow our “feelings” to get in the way. Our “feelings” (aka our flesh) will always steer us in the wrong direction. We must walk in the spirit, and choose to love. We must submit our feelings to the foot of the cross….and leave them there! We must choose to love our enemies. We must choose to love those who wrong us. We must choose to love.

Once we understand that “feelings” have nothing to do with it, then we will be better equipped to walk in Love. Then we will begin to really understand what being a Christian is really all about.

Is it easy? No. It wasn’t easy dying on a cross either!

Let’s Pray,

Daddy God, I love You. Thank You for loving me. Help me to love like You. Help me to choose to love. Show me when I am letting my fleshly feelings decide. Help me to understand love and put it into daily practice in my life. You are Wonderful and Mighty and I love You more than anything or anyone. You are Love. You are my Love. In Jesus Mighty Name, Amen.

In His Love and Service,

Lara ;)

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