Love Your Enemies

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I'm telling you to love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst. When someone gives you a hard time, respond with the energies of prayer, for then you are working out of your true selves, your God-created selves. This is what God does. He gives his best - the sun to warm and the rain to nourish - to everyone, regardless: the good and bad, the nice and nasty.
Matthew 5:43-45 (The Message)

Our flesh naturally wants to retaliate when someone persecutes us, but Jesus calls us to love our enemies and pray for those who spitefully use us. When we do this, Jesus said, we will be true children of our Father in heaven. In this way, our actions will mirror the character and nature of our loving God. Love is the higher way, love is God's way. May we love our God, ourselves, our neighbors and yes, even our enemies. Amen.

Love,
Jackie

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