Nov 04 2021

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.

In this verse from the Sermon on the Mount, a collection of Jesus' teachings found in Matthew, we learn about how we are supposed to treat our enemies. At first glance, it can seem pretty counterintuitive! We are not supposed to treat them as they have treated us. Rather, we should love them, be good to them, and pray for them. Today, we'll talk about why this is so important.

What comes into your mind when you read this verse? Several hurtful people flashed through my mind, and the thought of showing them love didn't feel so good in my heart. I felt like if I decided to show them love, that's like letting them get away with how they treated me—like I'm saying it was okay. How am I supposed to bridge that feeling with Jesus command to forgive?

I believe it begins with an honest truth: No one gets away with anything. The Bible says that God is just and that He will not overlook our pain. It also reminds us that we will reap what we sow … if we sow seeds of meanness, we will eventually reap them. This truth can help us forgive because it reminds us that justice is not something we should exact from each other; it is God's job to make sure that all sin debts have been paid. In fact, they already are.

Jesus paid for every sin when He died on the cross. He has covered every iniquity in you and me once and for all. When we refuse to forgive, it is practically saying that Jesus' death on the cross was not a big enough sacrifice for sin. Jesus' death covered your sins—but also the sins of the many, many people who will harm you in your life. If those people come to Him and ask for forgiveness, Jesus will gladly forgive them.

We know this because He has forgiven us. We have harmed God just as other people have harmed us, and yet He forgave us. People will hurt us, deeply, painfully, but when we use those instances to show grace, love, and mercy, we are helping them understand who Jesus is and reminding ourselves of the grace that He has already shown us. Indeed, it is only because of the forgiveness we have received that we are able to pray for, do good for, and love those who have hurt us.

Dear Lord, please help me to forgive those who have wronged me. I don't want to be someone who seeks vengeance. Instead, like Jesus, I want to be an instrument of reconciliation and love. Help me to remember how Jesus has forgiven me, and to show that same mercy to other people. I love you, Lord. In Jesus' name, amen.

Nov 03 2021

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