Matthew 5:43-44 NIV
[43] “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’
[44] But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,
As Jesus preached his first sermon on the mountain, it was clear who He was speaking to. There was a crowd at the foot of the mountain also listening to Him, but those who would follow and obey Him climbed up the mountain to listen as He spoke. I must also define who and where I am; there will be expectations and demands for all who would seek to follow and serve Jesus. This is the first question I have to sort out: who am I? When that is settled, the demands of the verses above can be met. The verses above also highlight the difference between the crowd and the disciple. One is permitted to love the neighbour and hate the enemy. That confusion is allowed in the lives of those who do not know who they are and who they follow. Hatred is such a strong word that must not be used for other people like myself who have been made in the image and likeness of God
For those who have surrendered their lives to Jesus, the demands, pursuits and priorities are different. Hatred for people is not an option; the only thing such a life can produce is love. You do not wait for the target of love to work to deserve it. You show love because it is all your life can produce. A good tree will produce good fruit; unless you work to change the output, a bad tree will always produce bad fruit. I am to pray for those who even persecute me, because I understand that I win more when I pray more. I get things done better and with greater impact if I allow the God who has taken root in me to also flow out of me. Whatever it is that is the popular opinion these days, hear God clearly today. He wants me to live by different standards because I have the presence of God in me that the world cannot understand. I show love to everyone who comes my way, because it is also what I have received from God. God's time of favour is here.
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