“Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven…” – Matthew 5:11-12 (KJV)
The above-mentioned Scripture is juxtaposed to the Scripture in 1st Peter 4:8 (AMP), which states, “Above all, have fervent and unfailing love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins [It overlooks unkindness and unselfishly seeks the best for others].
The foregoing tells us that the love of God and His consequent blessings are rooted in our ability to sustain character assassinations, all forms of betrayal, and transgressions committed against our persons, and in response, we demonstrate love towards our persecutors.
Love is an all-purpose garment that we are never to be without. This kind of love is an intense, sacrificial love that fosters forgiveness, prevents conflict, and brings healing to relationships, shortcomings, and sins of others.
Some may have been going through emotional trauma, as a result of pain and hurts inflicted by those you love, whether it be family members, work colleagues, spouse, or false brethren. Nevertheless, we are still mandated by God to forgive and love them. The Word of God in Romans 12:20 (KJV) declares, “Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head.”
In other words, we overcome evil with good. We respond to an enemy’s hostility with unexpected kindness to induce shame, remorse, and, potentially, repentance. It is not a call for literal harm or revenge.
Elect of God, the downside of failing to love our enemies includes physical sicknesses, spiritual dryness, and mental torment, which inevitably causes us to be ineffective witnesses for Christ. Remember, “Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails…” (1st Corinthians 13:6-8 – NIV).
As you and I read the word of God, let’s search our hearts, and if we are found wanting, let’s prayerfully approach the throne of God and ask for a heart transformation. Amen!
Read: Ephesians 5:1-2; Colossians 3:12
Bible Reading Guide: Psalm 26; Mark 9:2-32; Exodus 39; Exodus 40