VERSE:

VERSE:
Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy
neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your
enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you,
and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for
he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth
rain on the just and on the unjust.
-- Matthew 5:43-45
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Matthew+5:43-45&translation=kjv

THOUGHT:
We often talk about the privileges of being a child of God --
forgiveness, salvation, a future in heaven with him, the gift of
the Holy Spirit, and ultimate victory when Christ comes. One of the
greatest privileges we get, however, is the opportunity to act
toward those who dislike and hate us in a way that reflects the
character of God himself. Anyone can return hate for hate, but it
takes a child of God to return a blessing and a prayer for his or
her enemies.

PRAYER:
Father, thank you for loving me when I was still an enemy to
you. Thank you for risking the death of your Son to offer me the
chance to accept or reject your love. As you have promised, please
pour your love into my heart so I may love even my enemies as you
have loved me. In the name of your ultimate Gift of love, Jesus
Christ, I pray. Amen.