LOVE my Enemy? But...

Enemies, we all have them. At some point in our lives we have been mis-judged, criticized, betrayed, mocked, rejected, misunderstood or been gossiped about.

Sadly, we often find our greatest enemies in our families...in our churches.

Those who have the Spirit of the living God dwelling in them are called to be different. We expect more of them. We often try to excuse it by saying they are human and we sin. Besides it's hard to love someone who has really hurt you, spreads rumors or just doesn't like you.

It is true. It is hard. We are made of fallible flesh.

Do we just forget the Spirit of God living in us? Do we forget that if we allow HIM free reign He will live through us? He can change us if we let Him.

I have had my share of enemies, those who just don't like me.

Some time ago I took to heart Matt5:44 which says I am to love my enemies and pray for those who persecute me. Why? So that I might be a daughter to my Father in heaven. (5:45)

Love my enemies? It's hard. There is nothing in me that even wants to love them. On the contrary, my first reaction is often how to get back at them. How can I hurt them?

But then there is the Spirit of God living in me. I have a choice. Do I obey? Or disobey?

So I pray. I pray for them. I pray that God might help me to see them through His eyes, His heart of love.

And then I obey. I walk in obedience. I CHOOSE to love them.

Walking in obedience means that regardless of how they treat me I will love them. I will smile at them and say hello. I will be kind to them. I will not treat them like an enemy but a friend. I will allow the Spirit to love them through me.

When you and I choose obedience a miracle happens. An enemy becomes a friend. You will find that you love, not just out of obedience but from your heart.

Be devoted to one another in brotherly love...bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse...be of the same mind toward one another...never pay back evil for evil to anyone...if possible, so far as it depends on you, live at peace with all men...never take revenge...if your enemy is hungry, feed him, if thirsty, give him water...do nota be overcome with evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:10-21