"Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." (Matthew 5:44) This is perhaps one of the most shocking teachings in the entire Bible. When someone hurts us, our instinct is to retaliate or at least avoid them. But Jesus asks us to do the opposite—to love.
This teaching is so difficult because it requires us to transcend human limitations. Hatred is easy; it makes us feel righteous and superior. But love requires us to let go of self and choose forgiveness and grace.
I think of Nelson Mandela of South Africa, who spent 27 years in prison but chose forgiveness over revenge when he was released. He said, "Resentment is like drinking poison and hoping the other person dies."
Loving enemies doesn't mean condoning wrong or allowing ourselves to be harmed. It means we don't let hatred poison our hearts, we pray for those who hurt us, hoping they can repent and change.
When we love our enemies, we become like our heavenly Father, who "causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous." (Matthew 5:45) We display God's character and become light and salt in this broken world.
This love is not emotion but choice. It's deciding to act for others' benefit even when they've hurt us. Such love can break the cycle of hatred and bring true reconciliation and healing.
Let us choose this radical love every day, because only love can drive out darkness, only love can change this world.
AI解读圣经
Spiritual Growth Guide