Love for Enemies

Jesus used extremely strong language in today’s Gospel. He instructed his disciples that they were to love their enemies. The wonderful thing is that Jesus is not telling us to do something that he did not do himself. Romans 5 reminds us that he came to the earth while all of us were still enemies and died for us so that we could be saved from our sins. Jesus while on the cross prays for his enemies and persecutors. “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34).

But it just seems impossible for us to do at times, doesn’t it? How can we love and pray for those who have leaded us to painful memories? Jesus the one who did it and now commands us to do the same is going to give the motivation and help we need to strive for this goal.

“But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” Can we just let these lines sink in and Jesus himself will lift us beyond what we think is impossible – to love and to pray for the person who caused/is causing pain. And just like in everything we make efforts to fix things that cause trouble. So too Jesus gives us not a temporary, but permanent solution for our Souls ….. That is to love and prayer for the very person who is the cause our pain/misery/irritation.

So Jesus in my heart I bless those who hate me and have wrong me. I ask God to bless them; if I cannot, I ask for the grace I need to wish them well.