love enemies

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by Jimmy Lau

If someone has repeatedly been hurtful to us, it is easy to give in to vindictive pleasure when they experience misfortune. But God wants us to love. Christ shows us how to love our enemies when He forgave those who put Him up on the cross: “Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34). He said: “For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?” (Matthew 5:46).
 
Love is perfected when we can show love to our enemies (Matthew 5:48). I know it’s easier said than done. I’m learning it too. But remember: Agape love is the love of the will. Even the best of saints have enemies. His enemy can even be a church member. Is there a church member who seems to hate you? How do you respond to his hostility? Remember: How others behave is their business; God is looking at how we respond. Stephen, following in the Lord’s footsteps, prayed to God to forgive the Jews who stoned him to death (Acts 7:55-60). Can you do the same?
a Christian, writer and homemaker

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