God’s Word recommends that we love others as our self – even our enemies. In this self-centered world loving enemies is hard to do because it is evident, when we compared good works to all the crime perpetrated on us and others, many people do not love their self or anyone else (Mark 12:31).
God even recommends that we pray for our enemies because they are probably wounded individuals. Hurting people, hurt other people. God makes His sun to rise on the evil people as well as the good, and He blesses the unjust as He rewards the righteous (Matthew 5:43-48).
There is a saying, “Joy comes from a three-fold cord as we love:
Jesus
Others
Yourself.” (Ecclesiastes 4:12).
(Don't forget to love yourself as you love others – Matthew 22:39).
Love covers all offenses, but animosity and unforgiveness stir up conflict (Proverbs 10:12). Love is a many-faceted concept (1 Corinthians 13:4-8). There is no fear in love, because God’s love perfects us and causes our fears to dissolve (1 John 4:18-19). Jesus loves us and set us free from our bondage to sin (Revelation 1:1-20).
If a husband loves his wife in the same way that he takes care of his own body, he is loving himself as well (Ephesians 5:28). Women function better in an atmosphere of love, respect, honor, and attention, and they give the same in return. When we have this reciprocal relationship, we mirror the love that Jesus has for His Bride.
Jesus gave up His life for us, He sanctifies us, and He washes us with His Word (Ephesians 5:25-26). That is why His Word advises us not to marry an unbeliever, because holiness and light cannot form an intimate union with lawlessness and darkness (2 Corinthians 6:14-15).
When we honor the Lord with our life, we gain the respect and regard of most of those who know us. God’s Spirit exchanges His fruit with our negative personality traits (Galatians 5:22-23). Many of our family and people we meet is our lifetime trust us and are blessed by our single-hearted devotion to our God (Proverbs 31:10-11, 28-31).
Prayer:
Father God, none of us can imagine what You have in store for Your Saints who love You (1 Corinthians 2:9). Whether we live for You or die for You, we are Yours (Romans 14:8). You call us not to owe anyone anything except to love one another, and when we love, we fulfill Your law (Romans 13:8). Teach us to love You with our whole heart and soul and mind, and then how to love our neighbor with Your agape love (Matthew 22:37-40).
Thank You for appointing our governing authorities, even if they live contrary to Your Word, because we know that You use them for Your purposes. This gives us peace regardless of the circumstances surrounding their administration (Romans 13:1). We know that Your plans are not for evil, but to give us a hopeful future (Jeremiah 29:11). We trust in Your goodness and have faith in Your faithfulness.
Thoughts for the Day:
Although we have never seen God, His Spirit in us is our guarantee of God’s existence. God dwells in us and perfects His love in us (1 John 4:12). He wants us to consider how we can stir up love in one another, and to help each other complete good works for His kingdom (Hebrews 10:24). If we do not have love, we have nothing (1 Corinthians 13:2).
