Day 19 – Love for Enemies 

Matthew 5:44-48

The Focus of this Week is the Grace-filled model of Jesus

PAUSE –
Take a deep breath, offer this time and your focus to the Lord with the Psalmist

      Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. 

      Blessed is the one whose sin the Lord does not count against them and in whose spirit is no deceit.  

     When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long... 

     Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. 

     I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord.”                            Psalm 32:1-3,5

REJOICE in his goodness with Psalm 32:11

      And you forgave the guilt of my sin…

      Rejoice in the Lord and be glad, you righteous; sing all you who are upright in heart!

When I was born, I lived in a children’s home.  Every so often I will share this little-known fact about my life.  Usually prompting a long pause which can be a bit awkward.  People aren’t sure how to respond and what questions are safe to ask an apparent orphan. The truth? I really did live for a short period of time in an orphanage when I was born… because my parents were “house parents” for around 20 teenagers in the Woodstock Children’s home. In my early years our church was highly populated with children from a great variety of backgrounds and stories. I remember one year at camp when one of these boys, David, was provoked by another camper and in response David threw a single punch, leaving the provocateur doubled over and sobbing. I was stunned, first, by the angry response of David who was typically very kind and gentle in spirit. And second, when almost immediately David approached the sobbing camper and placed his arm around him offering comfort, with genuine tears of regret spilling from his eyes. Though I felt the other camper had it coming, I will never forget the immediate remorse and compassion as David comforted his adversary. I have carried that image of reconciliation with me for over 50 years.

Read and REFLECT –
on the counter-cultural teaching of Jesus in Matthew 5:44-48

         You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons and daughters of your Father in heaven.  He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.  If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than any others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. 

This is the last in a series of antitheses statements in Matthew chapter 5, where Jesus addresses a common understanding of the Old Testament law, and then offers a more complete understanding of God’s heart and His desire for His people. There is no place in the Old Testament that gives direction to “hate your enemies”, but clearly that was the common understanding of his listeners. No doubt they had found justification for malicious speech and actions against groups of people whom they perceived to be enemies. Jesus makes it clear that His followers, His apprentices, are meant to be different from the tax collectors and the pagans. This call for unconditional agape love does not leave room for attack – even against those who provoke and despise us. The call is simply a call to love and pray. This kind of love is the “perfect” love that only the Holy Spirit can give. This love is in fact an indication of true sanctification.  This is not the standard human response to offense and attack. This is sanctified mercy and grace. 

Reread and REFLECT: 

         You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons and daughters of your Father in heaven.  He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.  If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than any others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. 

When you read the word “enemies” who is the first person or group that comes to mind?  What does it mean to love them? What needs to shift in your heart to honor this call of Jesus? What if this is the key to revival? Imagine a small group of Spirit-filled saints loving their enemies with the love of Jesus.

ASK –
Lord, there are people who offend me and who I believe offend you. Sometimes when I feel offended or threatened, I respond in anger and spite. Lord, I want to be like Jesus.  I pray with the Psalmist that you would reveal my heart. Search me, O God, know my heart… See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.Psalm 139:23-24

YIELD –
Lord, I receive your mercy today. Forgive me for refusing to extend the same mercy toward others. Lord, teach me to follow your example and extend forgiveness, welcome and love toward those who speak against me and you. Help me to live and love as you lived and loved.

WWJDIHWM  - What Would Jesus Do If He Was Me?

He was/We are - anointed to preach and proclaim:

• Freedom – of those held captive, imprisoned

• Recovery – of sight for the blind (restoration of what once was)

• Release – of those held in bondage, trapped, with no rights or resources

• Favor – Jubilee, the year/season of forgiveness of debts and new beginnings