But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, …For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Don’t even the tax collectors do the same? Matthew 5:44 & 46
The words of Jesus can be difficult to digest, especially when they instruct us in our behavior towards other people. This makes good sense, though, because it is in our dealing with people that we clearly see the condition of our own heart. How quickly my attitude changes when someone is rude or pulls out in front of me at an intersection! But still, those people are not my enemy. Admittedly, most of my aggravation with other people has more to do with my own struggle to stay in step with the Spirit (Galatians 5:25) than it does a perceived enemy. Yet, perhaps there are those who have set themselves up as an enemy against you. Your attitude (and actions) towards them will have a major impact on how your kids will choose to deal with unkind people.
As believers, it is crucial that we recognize our battle is not against people, but against the spiritual forces of evil.
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6:12
Knowing this truth, and experiencing the incredible gift of forgiveness, the believer should find it difficult to hold someone as an enemy. As Jesus instructs us to pray for and love our enemies, that is exactly what He intends – that we discover we have no earthly enemies. Have you tried praying for someone you dislike? If so, you found that your attitude changed towards them. Most often, one whom we consider an enemy is under the influence of the spiritual forces of evil – as we once were before believing in the saving work of Christ. May we obediently pray for and love them. This isn’t easy, nor is it common, but it is what we should model before our children.
Learn more at the Anchored Podcast, episode 44 (season 2).
As always, stay anchored in Christ! – Pastor Paul
