Saturday September 17, 2016

Love Your Enemies

-LUKE 6:27-36

Key Verse:

"But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you" (Luke 6:27).

Peter Miller, an American gospel preacher,who lived in Pennsylvania, United States, during the American Revolution was said to have travelled seventy miles on foot to plead for the life of Michael Wittman, a man who did everything to oppose and humiliate him. Wittman had ran foul of the law. He was arrested for treason and sentenced to death. However, Miller, who enjoyed the friendship of George Washington, then President of United States, travelled seventy miles to ask for pardon for his antagonist. Washington said: "No, Peter. I can't grant you the life of your friend". The old preacher exclaimed: "He's the bitterest enemy I have!" Washington cried: "What? You've walked seventy miles to save the life of an enemy? That puts the matter in different light. I'll grant your pardon". And he did. Since then, Miller and Wittman were no longer enemies but friends. In our text, Jesus emphasized the essence of love. The Jews despised the Romans for being oppressive. They knew God's commandment regarding love for one's neighbour, but their teachers taught them to hate their enemies and express affection only to those who love them. However, Jesus told them that they must love their enemies. Though difficult because of the hurt, it is a necessity for Christ's followers to love everyone, especially their enemies. They must not retaliate when assaulted. They must be generous to others; not selfish. God is kind to everyone, no matter man's attitude towards Him. Therefore, He expects Christians to behave same way and show that they are His true children. As God's offspring, give to others as though you are giving to God. Do not retaliate when attacked; give freely to those who ask for help and treat others the way you wish to be treated. This will mark you out as a distinctive child of God.

Thought for the day: The highest proof of Christian faith is love.

Bible Reading in one Year:PROVERBS 4 - 6