Love Your Enemies

It doesn't make sense, and it shouldn't. There is no way to rationalize loving and praying for the best for those who are actively seeking your destruction, but faith isn’t logical, nor is godliness. As counterintuitive as it may be, pray blessings upon your enemies. Love on them unconditionally, expecting nothing in return from them or God.

“But I say to you who hear, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who are abusive to you.”

“But love your enemies and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for He Himself is kind to ungrateful and evil people.”

‭‭Luke‬ ‭6‬:‭ 27‬-‭28‬, 35‬ ‭NASB2020‬‬

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You are Not Alone.

The Prophet Elijah succeeded at Mount Carmel, where God demonstrated His superiority over Baal. After that moment, Elijah may have overzealously ordered the death of all 450 of the prophets of Baal, which infuriated Queen Jezebel, who in turn vowed to take his life, so he went into hiding. “And he was afraid, and got up and ran for his life...” ‭‭1 Kings‬ ‭19‬:‭3‬ ‭NASB2020‬‬ “… and he asked for himself to die, and said, “Enough! Now, Lord, take my life, for I am no better than my fathers.”” ‭‭1 Kings‬ ‭19‬:‭4‬ ‭NASB2020‬‬ His fear may have been because the act of killing Baal’s prophets doesn’t appear directed by God, and he probably wasn't sure God would protect him. God sent a messenger to comfort, feed, and prepare him for a journey to see God. “…but behold, there was an angel touching him, and he said to him, “Arise, eat!”” ‭‭1 Kings‬ ‭19‬:‭5‬ ‭NASB2020‬‬ “But the angel of the Lord came back a second time and touched him, and said, “Arise, eat; because the journey is too long ...

Pigs and Pearls

Recognize that not everyone shares your viewpoint. The things you hold dear may not be appreciated by others, so be cautious about whom you trust with what you value. Not everyone has the ability to appreciate things in the way they deserve. “Do not give what is holy to dogs, and do not throw your pearls before swine, or they will trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces.” - Matthew‬ ‭7:6‬ ‭NASB‬‬

Turn the Urge to Critize into Self-Reflection

A good time for self-reflection is when you notice a shortcoming in another person. You may feel the urge to criticize them, but instead turn that urge inward, analyze and be critical of yourself. You may discover that you are in a far worse situation with the same issue than they are. ““Do not judge, so that you will not be judged. For in the way you judge, you will be judged; and by your standard of measure, it will be measured to you. Why do you look at the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ and look, the log is in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye!” - Matthew‬ ‭7‬:‭1‬-‭5‬ ‭NASB2020‬‬

Cultivating Character

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