Loving Your Enemies Even When They Persecute You

“I hate him,” Justin said. “Excuse me,” his mother asked the thirteen year old. “I hate him mom. Every time I go to school he picks on me, he talks about my clothes, my hair, and my looks, but mom I am just a normal person. Just like he is.” “Justin,” his mom said, “we need to talk. Meet me in the kitchen and bring your bible.” “Yes, mam,” he said.

A few minutes later he met him mom in the kitchen and asked her what was going on. “Justin, we need to talk about persecution, unconditional love, and forgiveness. It has been a while now you have been having trouble with this guy at school. The first thing that I would like to ask you, have you prayed for this guy? “No mam.” “Okay,” his mom said, “lets look in our bible, turn to, 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, I want you to read it to me, Justin.” He begins reading, “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”

“Justin,” his mother said I want you to remember these passages when you are getting persecuted at school. Show your enemies love, when they show you hate, smile when they laugh at you, show them that you keep your life lined up with the word of God, or else you will fall and become broken. Which is what they are trying their hardest to cause you to do. Now I would like for you to read to me Matthew 4:55, please.” Justin began to read, “But I tell you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” Justin’s mother could see that this conversation with Justin was beginning to touch his heart. “Through your angry, son, have you prayed for him?” “No mam,” he said. “Justin, I would like for you to read Luke 23:24, please. Justin went on to read, “Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.”

“See sweetie, no matter what someone does to you, you should turn your cheek, forgive, and still love them, even through the strife they create for you. Christ had prayed for those who were murdering Him, it shouldn’t be hard to pray, and forgive those who persecute us. Lastly, I would like for you to read Romans 12:14 please.” Justin read, “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. I am so sorry mom, he said crying. I have never thought about how to love unconditionally even when times get tough, but you have clearly helped me understand these things, and I don’t hate him anymore, but by Christ’s love, I love him regardless of what he does or says to me.”

“Christ was so unselfish, and showed such unconditional love when He died on the cross for all of mankind, we should live our life the same way. Love one another without blemish, no matter the hurt they bring, you forgive them, and move on. If they continue, then continue to pray for them, and love them, not matter how much they may hate you. Many hated our loving, unselfish Christ, but He still died for them, for us, and all mankind in the entire world, with no regret. I will share one last thing with you son, Psalm 118: 24 This is the day which the Lord has brought about; we will rejoice and be glad in it.

Be glad my sweet son, and remember that although satan may use whomever, to create stumbling blocks for you, Christ is all powerful, and loves you unconditionally and always! I love you son!”

Stealing From Others With Words

Has anyone ever hurt your feelings? Taken away your joy, made you cry, held a grudge? What I have come to realize, as the 8th commandment in Exodus 20:15 states, Do not steal, may perhaps not only include material things. When you see a general person, you see material things you can steal from them, jewelry, clothes, shoes, wallets, purses, ect. These things are seen only on the outward appearance. We must remember that we all carry things on our inward appearance as well. Those things are called emotions. Sometimes words spoken to someone can steal their hope, joy, love, trust, among many other things. The bible says that:

Proverbs 13:3
He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life, but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction.

James 3:5 & 8
5 Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. 8 but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.

Words can cause destruction in a relationship, and in a friendship. We must be careful what we say, the emotions that we take from someone by the words that we speak to them. Everyone has had their feelings hurt by words, and we are taught as Christians to forgive, and turn the other cheek. While doing that, we forgive, but the relationship may never be the same again, the bible explains why.

Psalm 52:2 Your tongue plots destruction; it is like a sharpened razor, you who practice deceit.

A cut takes time to heal. You may forgive the person who cut you, but your flesh will remind you by a sting and after healing, a scar. The same way we learn not to touch something hot after getting burned, is the same way it can hurt the trust in a relationship, possibly starting over from scratch, and never reaching the same level of trust again, after they have been cut by words more caution will be taken to protect their heart. That places a stumbling block in the midst of the relationship. The bible also warns us of that.

Romans 14:13 Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister.

Sadly, some people have little or no hope left. I wouldn’t want to be the one who steals the last bit of hope, or joy that someone may have by hurting them with words. People do it everyday, and it is not always apparent who is hurting, who needs encouragement. Words cannot be taken back once you speak them. So let our words spoken always be encouraging and loving, walking in the love and way of the Lord as Christ has instructed us to.

If you are one of those who has little or no hope left or if you have been deeply scarred by someones hurtful words, remember a promise that Jesus gives us in the bible. The thief will come to steal from you, satan will use whoever he can to steal from you, but know Jesus has come that we may have life more abundantly, He is the good shepherd and gives His sheep life!

In John 10:10-11 Jesus said, "The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep."

In the name of Jesus, you have the authority to take back what the devil has stolen from you.

John 16:24  "Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.''

2 Corinthians 1:3-4
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort,  who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.

How Bright Is Your Light For Jesus?

All the children stood at the front of the church, and in all different harmonies sing, “This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine.” You could see all the faces of their parents glowing with happiness as they watched their children singing wholeheartedly about shining their light for the Lord. Susie's parents were especially happy since their daughter was only 4 and loved singing for the Lord. Susie's daddy was buckling her into her booster seat after church, she looked him and said, “I love Jesus this much!” Her daddy held his arm out from side to side, and said, “I love Jesus this much too!”

Later that week, little Susie, and her mother went grocery shopping. Susie walked up to a young couple and sang, “This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine.” The couple just stood there watching her, and thought nothing more of it than she was cute. “Susie,” her mother called out, “get over here.” She ran back to the side of her mom and when they went on to the next aisle, Susie walked up to an older gentleman, and sang, “This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine.” However, this man didn’t find it cute, and was offended walking down the aisle quickly, and not paying much more attention to her. “Susie, be polite,” her mother instructed. Susie didn’t take that instruction as her mother intended her to. On the next aisle, instead of just walking up, and singing to the elderly couple, she tapped the woman on her leg. “Excuse me mam,” she said. “What is it hun,” the stranger asked. Susie started singing, “This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine, and I will never hide it under a bushel, cause I‘m gonna let it shine, let it shine” “Susie,” her mother said, “I asked you to be polite, don’t bother people while they are shopping.”

“What a little blessing she is, the stranger said. This is just what I needed today.” She looked at Susie and said, “thank you for your song,” and looked at Susie’s mom and said, “and thank you for raising your child in the ways of the Lord. God bless you both.” The lady then walked away, pushing her husband in a wheelchair. Susie’s mom hugged Susie and said, “you have done a great job shining your light for Jesus today.” A middle age couple was behind them, and watched her sing. “How amazingly bright a child can shine their light for Jesus, while some adults let theirs grow dim for fear of embarrassment. God, bless that little girl, and her mother,” she prayed.

Luke 8:16
"No one lights a lamp and hides it in a jar or puts it under a bed. Instead, he puts it on a stand, so that those who come in can see the light.

Proverbs 13:9
The light of the righteous shines brightly, but the lamp of the wicked is snuffed out.

Matthew 5:14-16
"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.

Children Do More Than Watch Their Parents, They Listen Too

Macy, listened closely to her Sunday School teacher taking in every word. After church was over, her parents, and three younger brothers, went out to eat at a restaurant for lunch. Her mom’s phone rang while they were waiting on lunch to arrive at the table.  “Church was great,” her mom said on the phone. Before she hung up, Macy heard her say, “thanks for calling Mom, I love you!”

After lunch was over they went home, and Macy went to her best friend, Tracie’s house to play. Tracie’s mom was best friends with her mom. Once they arrived, Macy noticed her mom was fixing to leave, and on her way out, she gave Tracie’s mom a hug, and said, “see you soon, I love you!”  A few hours passed and Macy’s mom picked her up. “Take your shoes off, and get a shower, you have school tomorrow,” Macy’s mother instructed her, when they arrived back home. Macy’s was showered and ready for bed, she walked across the hall where her Mom and Dad was getting the boys dressed in their pajamas. After all three were snuggled in bed, Mom said, “Let’s pray, Lord, we ask that you see these little ones safely through the night, And wake them with the morning light. Amen.” Mom and Dad kissed the boys, and told each of them, I love you. Dad turned off the light, and they all walked to Macy’s room. This time, Macy’s Dad led the prayer. “God, we ask that you keep Macy safe through tonight and wake her with the morning light. Amen.” Macy’s mom and dad gave her a kiss goodnight, and said I love you.

The next morning, they all sat down to breakfast, and Dad led them in prayer again, “God is great, God is good, and God we thank you for this food. Amen.” After breakfast, Macy watched her mom kiss her daddy, and said to him, “have a good day at work, I love you.” “Grant, she yelled, calling for their beagle, come and get your doggie treat. After giving the puppy the treat she patted his head, and said, “I love you.” Shortly after dad left, the babysitter came to get the boys, and Macy watched her mother kiss them all, and tell them to have a good day, and she loved them. Macy’s bus pulled up outside. “Bye, Mom,” she said. Macy’s mom hugged her, and said, “have a good day, I love you!”

Later that evening, Macy’s mom was putting her to bed. “Where’s daddy,” she asked? “I’m sorry Macy, He had to work late.” She grabbed Macy’s hand and said, “let’s pray.” Macy closed her eyes as her mother recited the same prayer from the evening before. Her mom then kissed her forehead and said, “I love you.” “Mommy,” Macy said. “Can I ask you something,” she asked? “Of course, Macy.” “In Sunday school, my teacher taught on telling God you love Him everyday. I have been listening to you for a couple of days, and I haven’t heard you, or daddy tell God you love Him. Was she wrong teaching that?” Macy’s mothers heart was touched, and her eyes filled with tears as she sat on the edge of her bed and said, “no sweetie, she wasn’t wrong, she was very right.” “Well, why haven’t I heard you guys tell Him? I heard you tell Grandma you loved her, your best friend, me, my brothers, daddy, and even our dog.” “Macy, you are exactly right, and from here on out, we will always share with God, how much we love Him. Daddy and I tell God we love Him everyday, but you just don‘t hear us. It is usually during our prayer and devotion time at night when you are asleep." "I tell God I love Him everyday to Mommy." "That's good Macy, and I want you to always tell Him the love you feel in your heart for Him, everyday,” her mother instructed. “Okay, Mommy,” Macy said, closing her eyes.

Macy’s mother spoke with her husband when he came home later that night, and as thankful as her mom was to hear her daughter wanting to express her love for God, he was thankful too. The next morning at breakfast, Dad prayed, “God is great, God is good, God we thank you for this food, and God, we love you more than any words can express. Amen.” Macy smiled at her dad when she opened her eyes, and said, “Thank you, daddy.”

3 John 1:4
I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.

Proverbs 22:6
Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

Luke 10:21
At that time Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit, said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this was your good pleasure.

Slow To Anger, And Quick To Pray

 “Do you have the time Sir,” Lila asked? “No,” the stranger said in the elevator as he slipped his hand into his pocket, hiding the watch on his wrist. “Why don’t you buy a watch,” he yelled. She had seen his watch, but just turned her head when he commented and was dishonest, and instead of getting angry with him for yelling at her, she said a prayer for him. “Have a good day,” she said to him as they walked out of the elevator. An elderly woman also got off on the same floor. “Mam,” she said. “It is 6:48.” “Thank you,” Lila said. “I’m sorry the man in the elevator was rude to you. I seen his watch.” “I know,” Lila said. “But it’s okay.” “I would have confronted him if he said that to me.” “Yes,” Lila said, “most people would. I just said a prayer for him.” “Really,” she said. “Sure,” Lila said. “It was his watch, and he didn’t have to tell me what time it was. However, his actions led me to believe he was probably not having a very good day. So I prayed for him, and maybe tomorrow, if someone asks the time from him, he will be polite and tell them.” “Lady, you are way to nice.” Lila didn’t let her words affect her, and opened the door to her office. When she walked into her office she had noticed that everything in her office had been cleared out, and the name on her desk read someone else’s. Confused, she sat in her managers office, waiting for him to arrive to work. Her manager hadn’t told her about any changes, and she was quite concerned that she had done something wrong, and was going to be terminated. 

Just a few minutes later, Nathan her boss, arrived to his office. “Hi, Nathan,” she said. As soon as he seen her sitting in his office, he realized he had forgotten to talk to her Friday afternoon about the changes that would be made for today. “Oh no,” he said. “I forgot to tell you about your office.” “It’s okay, Nathan,” she said. “Am I in trouble?” He chuckled and said, “No, you’re not in trouble.” “Whew,” Lila said. “I have given you a promotion Lila, we have a new employee transferring from New Jersey who is replacing your position. You’re now in the assistant management office.” “That’s great,” she said. “Who is the employee transferring for NJ?” “Well, his name is Hank, he was waiting for me by the elevator door when I got off a few minutes ago. He is the son of the CEO, and just lost his wife and two sons in a car accident. So, they wanted him to transfer to our office, and see if the new surroundings help him deal with the loss. This way, while he is recovering from his tragic loss, he isn’t constantly reminded with memories. I would like for you to work with him today, and teach him how things work here.” “Okay,” Lila said, “I will go ahead in, and introduce myself, and get started.” 

When she walked into her old office, her eyes met with Hanks, stunned, she realized it was the same man who yelled at her on the elevator. “Hi Hank, she said!” His face grew red since he had also recognized her. “Are you ready for today,” she asked, befriending him, and forgetting about the incident in the elevator, which she had already forgiven him for. “Sure,” he said. Later that night, while Lila was eating dinner with her husband, she shared her story from earlier that day. “Why did you pray for him,” her husband asked? “I don’t know, Lila said, “I just felt it was the right thing to do at the moment.” “I know why you prayed for him,” he told her. God always sends someone through our paths when we are hurting, to encourage us and lift our sorrow. Today, you were that someone.”

Ephesians 4:32
Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

1 Timothy 2:8
 Therefore I want the men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or disputing.

Matthew 5:44
But I tell you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.

Trusting God When Things Get Tough

"Daddy," Henry's son yelled. "It's time to wake up!"  He stumbled out of bed, and stared at all the crooked pictures that hung on his bedroom wall. Weepy eyed, the frail middle aged man walked over to the picture of his wife Ann, who died 3 months ago, and slowly straightens the frame. “Why do you do that daddy,” his son Jackson asked? Don’t you know that when the 8:30AM train comes by it will shake the walls and just get crooked again?” “Jackson go and get ready for school, and tell your sister to wake up and get ready as well.” “Yes Sir,” he said respectfully. Henry closes his bedroom door and walks over to the pile of clothes in the corner of his small room. He had to find the best looking uniform in the pile of dirty laundry to wear to Alex's grocery store, where he works as a cashier. Every shirt he picked up was either too wrinkled, or stained. So he just picks up what looked to be the best shirt, shakes the wrinkles out, and gets dressed, After he makes his bed, he gets on his knees and has his morning prayer time. After he was finished praying, he walked over to Ann’s picture and asks, “why did you leave me? I need you more now than ever.” He turns off the light and goes to the kitchen, walking by his daughter Jean sitting at the table working on her homework assignment. “What is that smell,” she asked? “Its me, he said, I chose to live in the room with the mold in this old shack, so that you children wouldn't have to." “Oh, sorry daddy,” she said, while giving him a hug. Henry opened the cabinet and it was bare. He opened the fridge and there was no food, and he doesn’t get paid until tomorrow. He was thankful that his children was on the free breakfast and free lunch program at school, but he wasn’t sure how he was going to feed them dinner tonight.

He waited until the children got on the school bus, and then started walking to work, 3 blocks away. The day went by fast and he realized it was just a few minutes before his lunch. He quickly wiped down his counters with cleaner, and went to rest in break room. By surprise, his manager Sam walked in, and handed him a brown paper bag that had shrimp fried rice in it. His baby blue eyes became weepy for the second time today. “Thanks Sam,” he said. After eating half, he closed the container, so he could share the rest with his children for dinner. The manager sat down next to him, and asked,"how is everything going with you, Henry?" "Everything is going okay, Sam." "Are you sure? I don’t know how to tell you this, but I have gotten several complaints on your odor today, and I was wondering if you needed some new uniforms." Henry was offended, but knew he was only speaking the truth. "What’s going on with you, Henry?" "Ever since my wife passed away 3 months ago, I had to quit my job as an electrician because the company wouldn’t pardon the time off I needed to prepare her memorial, and funeral services. After several rejections with job applications, I was forced to leave our home, and move into something I could afford, a moldy shack. I had to sign up to receive food stamps for me and my 2 children, which totals only a third of the amount it takes to feed them. I’ve served saltines more than once to my kids for dinner, I’ve had to sell all my electronics to be able to keep a roof over the heads of my children. I’ve had my car taken away by the lien holder, and I carry around a dollar in my shoe for a loaf of bread just in case we need food, and sometimes, I don’t even have that." "Henry, don’t you have any family that you can ask for assistance?" "No, sir," Henry said. "How do you expect to continue to provide for your children if you are so very poor," Sam asked? "See, that’s where you are wrong, I am not a poor man, but a trusting man." "What do you mean, Henry?" "I don’t worry about how I will eat tomorrow, because I know that God will provide for me somehow, someway." "Are you telling me that with all that you are going through, you still trust God?" "Yes, what is wrong with that, Sam?" "It just doesn’t seem right, and it doesn’t sound like things are improving for you." "Well, why do things need to improve? I wasn’t complaining, I was just answering your question. If this is God’s will, then I shall endure."

"Okay, Henry," Sam said, "but I don’t get it." Henry stood up from his chair and said, "let me ask you something before I go back to the register, Sam. I spoke of the trials I am currently enduring, but did you hear me say, we are starving, cold from the snow, or wet from the rain? Everything else is material things, and not a necessity, so I can’t blame God for not providing for me, because I have everything that is essential to live, it may not be the best, but it’s there. Do you believe in God, Sam?" "No," he said. "That’s why you don’t get it. Let me share one more thing with you. This morning, I noticed my cabinets were empty, I had no idea how I was going to provide dinner tonight for my kids, then you walked in here, and handed me our dinner." Before walking out of the door, Henry said, "God always provides for me, and He can always provide for you too!" Sam, was left in wonder, how could a man who denies God, be used to carry out God’s will, he thought? He thought about going to church Sunday, but didn’t know where to go. "Henry," he shouted. Henry stopped walking and turned around. "Can I join you for church this Sunday?" He smiled, and said, "That would be great, Sam."

Proverbs 29:13
The poor and the deceitful man meet together the LORD lighteneth both their eyes.

Proverbs 3:5-6
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding, In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths"

Matthew 6
25 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? 26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27 Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life 30 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? 31 So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own