Loving Our Enemies

Reading: Matthew 5:43-48

Devotional: Jesus' command to love our enemies is one of the most challenging aspects of following Him. It goes against our natural instincts and cultural norms. Yet, this is precisely what sets apart the kingdom of God. When we love those who oppose us, we reflect the character of our heavenly Father, who "causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good." Today, identify someone you struggle to love. How can you take a small step towards showing them God's love? Remember, this love isn't about approving of wrong actions, but about desiring God's best for all people. Enemy-love is supernatural - it cannot be manufactured by human effort alone. It requires God's Spirit working through us, transforming our natural hostility into divine compassion. This kind of love doesn't make sense to the world, which is exactly why it bears such powerful witness to Christ's reality in our lives.

Reflection Question: How does loving your enemies demonstrate that you are a child of your Heavenly Father?

Action Step: Do one kind act for someone who has wronged you or whom you naturally dislike.

"Love is the greatest apologetic. It is the essential component in reaching the whole person in a fragmented world." - Ravi Zacharias