Our Text for today is Matthew 5:44
“But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you.”
Jesus calls us to a special kind of love – one that blesses, serves, and prays for our enemies. This goes against our natural desire for payback when hurt. Loving enemies requires supernatural strength and grace.
The Bible story of Joseph powerfully illustrates loving one’s enemies. Joseph’s brothers betrayed him and sold him into slavery. Later when Joseph had power and authority in Egypt, during a famine, his brothers appeared before him in desperation. Joseph could have easily taken revenge, but instead he forgave them completely (Genesis 45:5). He even reassured his brothers, saying “You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good” (Genesis 50:20).
Joseph allowed God to heal his wounds and fill his heart with undeserved grace toward those who betrayed him. This broke the cycle of bitterness and violence. Reconciliation and restoration followed. Joseph’s choice to love his enemies brought tremendous fruit.
Like Joseph, God calls us to bless and serve those who have hurt us deeply. Doing good to enemies seems counterintuitive and goes against our human nature. But God can empower us to love as Jesus did, even from the cross.
Who in your life feels like an “enemy”? Ask God to help you see them through His eyes of compassion. Look for ways – big or small – to convey undeserved mercy and grace. Your acts of honor and kindness can be part of God’s redemptive work, softening hard hearts. As Joseph shows, love for enemies is powerful. It brings healing and makes new life possible.
Lonnie Davis