Good morning people who choose to love those who will persecute you.

We stated yesterday that persecution is coming to the western church.

Today I want to ask the question: How will you treat those who mistreat you?

Here’s what Jesus said in His sermon on the mount:

Matthew 5:43-48 NIV “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbour and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children 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 own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”

This highlighted last verse is often quoted out of context with a focus on us never making a mistake. Many – myself included many times – have falsely worn a heavy label of being perfect in everything.

So, what was Jesus saying?

He was telling us to love people as the Father loves people, including our enemies; those who are against us, our standards, our values, our decisions; those who will actively persecute us in coming days.

Loving our enemies perfectly is also naturally impossible. And this is why we need to stay Holy Spirit reliant and empowered. With Him and through Him, we can love people as the Father loves people.

I must share another thought on this tomorrow.