Forever Home in the Eternal Family of God

Daily Encouragement for the Family of God by Kenton Cheek

6 January 2025

Reading From Matthew 5:27-48

“You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy.  But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike. If you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that? Even corrupt tax collectors do that much. If you are kind only to your friends, how are you different from anyone else? Even pagans do that.”

–Matthew 5:43-47

     The teachings of Jesus are revolutionary.  Even two thousand years later, to love one’s enemy will dramatically change even the most difficult of situations.  Genuine love has a way of melting the coldest of hearts.  Loving people who despitefully use us and persecute us is not easy, but it is the most powerful force on Earth. 

Loving obnoxious or hateful people is not something that we are naturally excited about doing.  We need the Lord’s supernatural help to enable us to love those who are difficult to love.  Love is powerful.  Give it a chance.  Better still, God is love.  He will change us with His love and change the world through us as we love others. 

“God, it is hard to love people when they are hurtful, annoying, or both.  But I believe that through the power of the Holy Spirit, we can show real love to even the most unlovable.  Thank You for loving us just as we are.  Help us to share Your love with the world around us.  Amen.”

If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat;
    if he is thirsty, give him water to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head,
    and the Lord will reward you.

–Proverbs 25:21-22