Chronicles of a Christian Teen #10
[b][center]Love for our Enemies?
When you hear the word love, what do you think of? Is it your family, friends, crushes, or just a relationship in general? These are most likely the things that came to our minds instantly. It's easy to love the people, it's just natural. We WANT to love those who are constantly there for us, are kind to us, and have an essential presence in our lives.
However, what about those who are more difficult to love? What about our enemies? What about those who say negative things about us, aim hurtful actions against us or those few who turn away every effort to be civil? Should we still love them even if they don't love us in return? Yahweh God says Yes!
Matthew 5:44 (NLT) says: "But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." As Christians, it is our duty to show love to all people, just as Jesus did. He was constantly mocked, ridiculed, and belittled. Yet, out of the pure kindness in His heart and love for His Father, Jesus truly loved them regardless. In fact, when Jesus was even dying on the stake among all of the pain those who hated him were inflicting on Him...His selfless heart forgave them. Luke 23:34 (NLT) says: "Jesus said, 'Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." "They divided up his clothes by casting lots."
God continues to love you even when you sin against Him. Even when you make mistakes. Therefore, we should follow in Christ's example, wholeheartedly be eager and willing to show kindness to those who may not be willing to do the same for us. Love has such an extraordinary impact on the heart. This is why hearts are symbols of love.
1 Corinthians 13:13 (NLT) says: "And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love." Many people guard their hearts and put up walls that none of us may see. By loving those we may think to be unloveable at first, those walls might just break. Our actions of love reflect God's love. This may be an opportunity to inspire others to wonder why. Why would we show them, love, if they do the opposite? These are answers they are going to want to seek. We know those answers are only found in God's Word, the Bible. Pray that through your love, God will open their hearts to know His love.
Amen 馃槆鉂わ笍馃尮[/center][/b]
When you hear the word love, what do you think of? Is it your family, friends, crushes, or just a relationship in general? These are most likely the things that came to our minds instantly. It's easy to love the people, it's just natural. We WANT to love those who are constantly there for us, are kind to us, and have an essential presence in our lives.
However, what about those who are more difficult to love? What about our enemies? What about those who say negative things about us, aim hurtful actions against us or those few who turn away every effort to be civil? Should we still love them even if they don't love us in return? Yahweh God says Yes!
Matthew 5:44 (NLT) says: "But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." As Christians, it is our duty to show love to all people, just as Jesus did. He was constantly mocked, ridiculed, and belittled. Yet, out of the pure kindness in His heart and love for His Father, Jesus truly loved them regardless. In fact, when Jesus was even dying on the stake among all of the pain those who hated him were inflicting on Him...His selfless heart forgave them. Luke 23:34 (NLT) says: "Jesus said, 'Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." "They divided up his clothes by casting lots."
God continues to love you even when you sin against Him. Even when you make mistakes. Therefore, we should follow in Christ's example, wholeheartedly be eager and willing to show kindness to those who may not be willing to do the same for us. Love has such an extraordinary impact on the heart. This is why hearts are symbols of love.
1 Corinthians 13:13 (NLT) says: "And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love." Many people guard their hearts and put up walls that none of us may see. By loving those we may think to be unloveable at first, those walls might just break. Our actions of love reflect God's love. This may be an opportunity to inspire others to wonder why. Why would we show them, love, if they do the opposite? These are answers they are going to want to seek. We know those answers are only found in God's Word, the Bible. Pray that through your love, God will open their hearts to know His love.
Amen 馃槆鉂わ笍馃尮[/center][/b]
