Luke 6:35

 But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked ~ Luke 6:35


I can’t think of any enemies that I have, and perhaps many of you are of the same mind as I, for I live a peaceful life. I can and do thank the Lord for that, as I know that not all people have the kind of tranquility in their life that I am blessed with. There are some in this world who do actually have enemies and they are real and ready to bring harm. Even in this day when Christianity is more and more disputed and ignored, Christians in the Western world live a fairly peaceful life. Our enemies only then become those who are opposed to our belief in the Word of God and its Truth when we stand firm. Then, they speak out against us. Perhaps our enemy has become a subtle avoidance such as the refusal to allow prayers in schools, or talking about God on the playground. When one of my twin granddaughter’s was young she would tell everyone about Jesus, but soon her words were quieted by the deaf ears to which she spoke. They shut her down by making fun of her. In other lands though, there is open persecution against Christ followers. Some are thrown in jail and others are beheaded. Those associated with the martyrs do not retaliate in violence. Jesus’ words tell us to do good to our enemy. Love may not immediately save the persecuted from the sword, but love will eventually conquer. When we expect back after we have given a gift, we are like everyone else. Jesus was always counter to the world’s thoughts and ways. He says to be kind and good to those who mean harm to us. Kindness will always soften a hard heart!

Pastor Julia

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