How I Treat Others Makes A Big Difference

In review of Matthew 5:44 it says, “I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you.”

Bottom Line:

Love your enemies. Pray for those who mistreat you.

What this means to me:

I am to love, bless and do good for those who hate, use and persecute me.

Today's passage comes from Matthew 5 where Jesus teaches about loving our enemies. He tells us that we have heard it said to "Love your neighbor" and hate your enemy. But Jesus tells me to love my enemies. I am to pray for those who persecute me. In this way, I'll be acting as a true child of my Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and sends rain on the just and unjust alike. If I love only those who love me, what reward is there for that. Even pagans do this.

By telling me not to retaliate, Jesus keeps me from taking the law into my own hands. By loving and praying for our enemies, I can overcome evil with good. The religious leaders of the time misinterpreted a teaching that they should love only those who love in return, meaning that they should hate their enemies. But Jesus says I am to love my enemies. If I love them and treat them well, I will truly show that Jesus is Lord of my life. This is possible only for those who give themselves fully to God, because only he can deliver people from natural selfishness. We must trust the Holy Spirit to help me show love to those for whom I may not feel love for.

So, I am to keep honoring God and doing what I know is good, pure and right. I am to keep treating people according to the Word of God that commands us to love our neighbor as ourselves. When I do, I’m making it possible for heaven to bless me and take me right where I need to be.

I shouldn’t pay attention to those around me who seem to skate through life veiled in deception and manipulation. There is no honor in that. These folks will have their day when the trumpet sounds. Rather, I should just focus on myself. What does God want me to do, regardless of how others are treating me or what they say behind my back. I’m a child of the King.

When I am treated poorly, I need to leave it to the Lord. If they are doing something they shouldn't, pray about it and let God take care of it. Rather than wasting my time on what others are up to, think on the things that are of good report and stay tuned on the Lord. When I choose to attend to what is pure, evil will have to flee. My time will not be consumed with anger and bitterness but with the peace that passes all understanding.