Founded by Bryant Wright, Right from the Heart is a
daily injection of truth, reminding you about what
matters most in life. Basically, we cut the fluff and
get right to the point.
To Love Your Enemies Is Unique Jun 15 2012
"You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I say to you,' Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.'" - Matthew 5:43-44
The message in this devotion, to me, is profound. It bears repeating over and over again.
The word enemy has been defined as anyone who is not for us. In light of that definition, we can all think of folks we work with, cross paths with, and sometimes even live with, who are not for us. Yet, Jesus Christ said, "Love your enemies." To love our friends is not unique, but to love our enemies is.
At the end of the Civil War, many Northerners were demanding that the South be punished for the devastation the war had caused the United States. Feeling he was too soft on the South, a group visited President Lincoln at the White House. One man became so intense that he pounded on Mr. Lincoln's desk and said, "Mr. President, I believe in destroying my enemies."
President Lincoln reflected a moment, then slowly stood and said, "Do we not destroy our enemies when we make them our friends?"
Wow. Isn't that profound? That is the spirit of Christianity that can literally change the world, one person at a time. The key question is - do you believe and practice that spirit?
1-MinuteDaily Devotions
You are reading a Daily Devotion from Right From The Heart. We invite you to share it, leave a comment, and subscribe to the daily email or RSS feed.
Subscribe to the Daily Devotion
We send out the devotion terribly early every morning. Enter your email address to get on the list.
Recent Devotions
| Fri, May 17 | There Is Always A Way Out (2) |
| Thu, May 16 | Don't Let Bitterness Control Your... (3) |
| Wed, May 15 | Why Did They Sin? (7) |
| Tue, May 14 | Don't Run Out Of Time (3) |
| Mon, May 13 | Knock Discouragement On Its Face (3) |
| Sun, May 12 | The Importance Of Being A Mother (2) |
| Sat, May 11 | Healing After Divorce (7) |
5 Comments
If you think this comment should be removed because it is mean spirited, compromises someone's privacy, or is SPAM, then let us know.
Yes, report it NevermindI just want to say this is such a blessing to me and may God bless this site and every devotion that reaches people.It is true that Christ's love is truly demonstrated in loving those who are not for us.With his help we are able to love everyone.I thank you for this blessing I receive every day.
If you think this comment should be removed because it is mean spirited, compromises someone's privacy, or is SPAM, then let us know.
Yes, report it NevermindIn the Anne of Green Gables books, the last one (Rilla of Ingleside) it based around the first World War. And what a little child says of Kaiser is very profound.
"Susan, do you know what I do to punish Kaiser? I'd make him a good man, yes sir I would. Because then he would see all the hurt he was causing. I think that would be the worst punishment ."
When we love on people who we really want to punish, eventually, they might become CHristians under our good influences, and that would be the worst punishment of all, because then they would see the hurt they had caused. So even though we often want to make our enemies pay, loving them will perhaps be a worse punishment. OF course, that isn't the reason that you SHOULD love your enemies, you should love your enemies because it is what God commands. However, I just thought that it was interesting how the loving works out.
If you think this comment should be removed because it is mean spirited, compromises someone's privacy, or is SPAM, then let us know.
Yes, report it NevermindInteresting analogy, Meredith. Thinking about it, we were all enemies of God before we accepted Christ. Once we become friends with Jesus we experience that same uncomfortable feeling due to our past actions against God and his purposes (and continued disobedience). Thankfully, we can rest in His grace, free from guilt, knowing that our sins are forgiven and forgotten.
If you think this comment should be removed because it is mean spirited, compromises someone's privacy, or is SPAM, then let us know.
Yes, report it NevermindJesus paid the price for our justification. There are no works we can contribute to that. But, in sanctification it is all about works, or "fruit-bearing". "Faith without works is dead". I make my feeble efforts to follow in his steps each day, but I doubt I would ever have the love to say "Father forgive them, for they know not what they are doing". That's the ultimate in love.
If you think this comment should be removed because it is mean spirited, compromises someone's privacy, or is SPAM, then let us know.
Yes, report it NevermindHow blessed we were to have had Abe Lincoln as President. Also to have a like minded General Grant who told Lee to have his men just lay down their arms and go home.