Matthew5:10-Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.God promises blessings if you are persecuted for doing what is right. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecuted you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.
Jesus confirms this in the scripture that we will experience persecution, but He invites us to respond through rejoicing and gladness.
And yet, a man thought by many to be the Messiah, the Savior who was suppose to you free Israel from her enemies, has just commanded His disciples to love and pray for their enemies.Worse, He considered this with the righteous living needed to enter the Kingdom of Heaven.
Matthew5:44-But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.This can be hard advice to take, but it comes straight from the mouth of God.Therefore, not only are we supposed to obey the message in this verse, we are supposed to do it gladly and with a happy heart.
In spite of the misery, discomfort, and frustration these antagonists causes us, we are still expected to find it in our hearts to love them.Even when they cheat us, lie to us, steal from us, slander us, label us and harm us or our loved ones, we are supposed to love them.Even those of us who want to comply with Matthew 5:44 finds it difficult. Loving and praying for people who abuse us rejects our most cherished beliefs is a monumental challenge.
Matthew5:44 -Is the goal to help you overcome your normal desire to strike back at those who mistreat you by making loving responses your new normal.
Some encouragement to use when your enemies are in need.
When you see one of your enemies hurting or struggling with an unmet need, step in and help.
If you see someone who treats you badly is in trouble and might need to talk, offer to listen.
Be willing to forgive others that wronged you.
Sacrifice to help others who are in need, even if they treated you badly in the past.
Showing people Christ-like grace can make a powerful impression on people, especially those who know they wronged you.
Proverbs25:21-22-If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink.In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head, and the LORD will reward you.
The more you follow these recommendations the easier it will become to do so.
God bless
Chrisendell Coller 