Ezra Chapter 5. Love Your Enemies
The Jews continued to rebuild the house of God and their enemies were continually persistent to stop them. This time they sent a letter to King Darius in hopes that he would stop them from building.
As I read this I couldn't help but think about our politics today. If there's a Democrat that doesn't like a Republican or a Republican that doesn't like a Democrat they go to great pains to destroy each other. They will lie about each other or just plain be mean.
I know we are all inclined to be nasty to others. We may not lie about a person but we may talk about them. We may not gossip about others but we don't pray for them either. If something negative happens to that person, it's almost as if we're glad inside it did rather than see it as an opportunity to show God's love and compassion and concern. Who is on your enemy list? Start praying for them and pray God changes your heart for that person. Pray and let God know you are willing to be used by the Holy Spirit to show that person the love of Christ.
Matthew 5:44 says, “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”
It may not always be easy to put into practice, but this is what we read in Matthew 5:38-45.
“You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I (Jesus) say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if anyone would sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you. “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, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.”
Your thoughts on today’s reading have been so true in my life, PB. When I have prayed continually, asking the Lord to take away the “button” in me that I’m allowing to be pushed by another, He always has … and in the process He changes my heart toward that person. It’s impossible to do on our own … but all things are possible with Him.