God's Glory Church

“And I say to you: Love your enemies.” — Matthew 5:44

“I know what they’re saying. And I’m telling you…” As a child, I heard this phrase from my mother a thousand times. The context has always been peer pressure. She tried to teach me not to follow the crowd. I am no longer a boy, but the desire to follow the crowd still appears. The current example is the following phrase: “Surround yourself only with positive people.” And here we should ask the question: “Does this agree with the teachings of Jesus Christ?”

“And I say to you…” The Lord Jesus repeatedly uses this introductory phrase in the 5th chapter of the Gospel of Matthew. He is well aware of what the world is constantly telling us about. However, He wants us to live differently. For example, Jesus says: “Love your enemies… and pray for those who persecute you” (v. 44). Later, in the New Testament, the apostle Paul also uses this word. Who do you think? That’s right, about us. “We, being enemies… with God” (Rom. 5:10). Jesus did what he said. He loved us and gave His life for us.

Imagine if Christ surrounded Himself only with “positive people”. Would we be with Him? Praise be to God, His love respects no face. God loved the whole world, and we are called to follow His example with His help.

When was the last time someone showed you love even in spite of your non-“positivity”? How can you show love to your enemy today?

Heavenly Father, I tend to surround myself only with those who love me. However, this is not exactly the way of life to which You are calling me. Help me to love even my enemies.

Author: John Blaze