10/7/09

"You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect." - Matthew 5:43-48

God calls us to be different than the world. He calls us to love even our enemies. This is completely against society, but that is what separates those of us who call ourselves Christians. We do things backwards. And when you think about it, isn't it better to love those who hurt us. When we do this, they are confused and they don't know what to do. This is the perfect time to be a witness for Christ. So when you are being persecuted, no matter what that entails, love those who are doing the persecuting because that is what Jesus would do!