“Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you.” LUKE 6:27 NKJV

Have you ever felt as though you were fighting a battle and someone you know seemed to make your efforts that much harder? Not only did that person refuse to help you, but he or she appeared to make the situation even more difficult on purpose. How do you respond to such people?

Jesus commanded His followers to love their enemies. He understood that believers would come in direct contact with people who wanted to oppress them and make their lives impossible. But He also understood that those same persecutors were souls trapped by sin, in need of deliverance.

Whether you are dealing with non-Christians or backslidden believers, the same is true—they need Jesus and they need you to reveal Him to them. Friend, you cannot change them, but you can control your reaction to them (Luke 23:34).

As Christ’s representative, you are responsible for how you respond. Therefore, don’t give others a reason to criticize you. Rather, obey Him, do good, and show His love. Because by so doing, you show them the way to eternal life.

Lord, help me show Your love and grace to everyone so others will be drawn to You, amen.

In His presence . . . find the grace to love your enemies.

Stanley, Dr. Charles F. (2014-11-11). Every Day in His Presence (p. 373).