LOVE YOUR ENEMIES AND PRAY FOR THOSE WHO PERSECUTE YOU

GREETINGS DEARLY BELOVED

PLS KINDLY STUDY

AND BE BLESSED IN JESUS NAME AMEN

DAILY DEVOTIONAL BY PASTOR PAUL RIKA INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

3RD MAY, TUESDAY

LOVE YOUR ENEMIES AND PRAY FOR THOSE WHO PERSECUTE YOU 

TEXT: MATTHEW 5: 43 – 44                                                            Key Verse: Romans 12:9 Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.

Today’s passage defines and describes the enemies we are to love as those who curse, hate, despise and persecute us. These enemies are evil and unjust in their dealings with us. They are hostile to us and always opposed us. They never wish us well and our success is their annoyance. We are commanded to love our enemies and pray for them, Jesus demonstrated this to us by praying for His enemies. 

Luke 23: 34 “Then said Jesus, Father forgive them; for they known not what they do. And parted his raiment, and cast lots” 

When wronged we are not to react in a Spirit of hatred but in a way that shows we have values that centre on Christ and His kingdom. Our actions toward those who are unkind to us should be such that it might lead them to accept Christ as their Saviour.

Acts 7: 60 “And he kneeled and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge and when he had said this, he fell asleep.” 

Stephen, when being stoned prayed for his enemies. Stephen was a man of passion, so he prayed for those who were stoning him. You can do the same by surrendering your enemy to God in prayer.

Matthew 5:43-48

43 Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.

44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;

45 That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and Seth rain on the just and on the unjust.

46 For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?

47 And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so?

48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

Thought for the day: Love your enemies and pray for them 

Song for the day: Behold what manner of love the father

Bible reading for the day: 1 Kings 6 – 7; Luke 23: 27 – 38 

#Horemow.