Chapter 6

"But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you,"

Jesus has set the perfect example for us to emulate as His disciples. He was fiercely persecuted by the Pharisees, the townspeople, and his peers. Jesus says in John 15:20, "Remember [and continue to remember] that I told you, ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you; if they kept My word, they will keep yours also." 

According to Jesus, persecution is expected, so our response to it should not be one of shock and fear. Our acts should be just as the acts of Jesus. He responded with love and truth, with kindness and forgiveness. He even would allow those who persecute Him to question Him, knowing their intention is of an ill nature

Many times we find ourselves in situations where our flesh wants to prove who is bigger, who is better than, who can fight, who is more clever, or who is faster, but I have good news for you, you have NOTHING TO PROVE. We were dead in sin and were saved by an undeserved love and grace; how can we not extend this same undeserved grace and love that we experienced to others? The story of the debtor comes to mind; his debts, which were large, were forgiven, yet he went and roughed up one who owed him even less. As a result, he was put in Jail till he could pay the large debt. Our prayer today is that God may help us to extend this unmerited grace and love to those who persecute us. We pray that God may teach us how to love those we are in strife with and that our hearts may always be pure. In Jesus’ name, Amen. 

" Jesus, teach us how to love and show Kindness to those who persecute us and those we are in strife with"