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Matthew 5:43-44 “You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy. But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!”
Some may read this passage and immediately think of somebody who really qualifies as an enemy. But others may read this passage and struggle a bit. They may wonder, I disagree with this person, but I’m not sure I would consider them an enemy.
In his book Everybody Always, Bob Goff writes, “I think Jesus meant something different when He said ‘enemies.’ He meant we should love the people we don’t understand. The ones we disagree with. The ones who are flat wrong about more than a couple of things.”
This mixes up the passage a bit, doesn’t it? It indicates that Jesus is saying, “Love — I mean really love those who think differently than you. Those who look, live, behave, and vote differently. Those who have a different perspective on something you care deeply about. Don’t talk negatively about them when they’re not around. Love them and pray for them.
READING & PRAYERS:
QUESTION: Who is somebody you don’t understand, disagree with, or is flat wrong about more than a couple of things? What can you do to love them and pray for them today? Be specific.
Take a Step: Remember to continue utilizing the One Minute Pause app throughout the week. If possible, begin to explore and practice the 3, 5 or 10 minute pause to more deeply root yourself in Christ.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I confess that today’s reading is difficult because I can think of many people who I disagree with or who are flat wrong about more than a couple of things. Continue to help me be more like Jesus. He lived with and loved those who were very, very different from Himself. Not only that, he invited them to the dinner table, a sign of true friendship. Help me become somebody who loves those different from myself, and lead me in Your ways so that I seek to experience true friendship with them as well. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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