- Matthew 5:39 - But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.
- Matthew 5:44 - But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
- Philippians 2:6 - Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:
- Philippians 2:7 - But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:
- Philippians 2:8 - And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
“Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”
Some principles of the Heavenly Kingdom do not align with our human way of thinking. For example, Jesus says that if someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also. Honestly, this is not easy to do at all.
We know that God loves us, and this love cannot be earned—it is grace. But at the same time, we are called to show this love to others.
Today, people often talk about their rights. But Jesus calls us to something else—to be like Him and sometimes to give up our rights.
God wants us to: • love not only those who love us, • but also those who do wrong to us.
Because Jesus says: If you love only those who love you, what difference does it make?
Key Truth:
Our most powerful testimony is to show God's love to others.
It is difficult to do this alone. But the Holy Spirit lives within believers and helps us to do this seemingly impossible thing.
God's love works through us. And this is a great calling.
Reflection
What difficulties do you face in showing God's love to others, and how have you experienced the Holy Spirit helping you in this?
