Love Your Enemies

One of the most challenging commands given by Jesus is to love your enemies. First, it was given in His sermon on the mount."You have heard that it was said, you shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse, you do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you"(Matt 5:43-44NKJV). This is Jesus speaking. Hate your enemies is not found in Moses writings. This principle was taken from Lev 19:18. In this passage curse here does not means profanity but when someone speaks negatively about or against a person.

Again it is mention in Jesus' sermon on the plain. "But I say to you hear:Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you"(Luke 6:27-28NKJV). Then, we see..."But love your enemies, do good and lend, hoping for nothing in return; And your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High. For He is kind to the unthankful and evil"(Luke 6:35NKJV). Religious persecution was real when Jesus gave His command to love. Whether we accept it or not, it is still real today in this society. Christians are being persecuted for the teaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Keep in mind that when we take it to heart and apply loving our enemies it can:(1)bless and transform our life and (2) it truly will make this world a better place for all. If you have questions about who is your enemy. It's a known fact when anyone who curses you, anyone who hates you, anyone who spitefully uses you and finally anyone who persecutes you. There are Scriptures to support this claim but that will be made known in the next blog so this will not be too lengthy. Enjoy the blessings of the Lord. Annie Dennis Eskridge, author of Sin Abides.