“For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life” (Romans 5.10, ESV).¹

____________________________

¹Jesus calls us to “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven” (Matt. 5.45, ESV).

Paul calls us to “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them…Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.’ To the contrary, ‘if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.’ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Rom. 12.14, 16-21, ESV).

Peter calls all to “…entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good” (1 Peter 4.19). This is done the same way Christ entrusted His soul: “For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly” (1 Peter 2.21-23, ESV).

Why does the Bible call us to love our enemies? Because "…Christ died for the ungodly" (Rom. 5.6) and "…God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us" (Rom. 5.8). Anyone who loves this world is an enemy of God (see James 4.4). Since all have sinned (Rom. 3.23), all have loved this world. God died for you and me – His enemies.

If God can love and die for His enemies, we can love - and if necessary, even die for - our enemies. Are you holding a grudge? Bitterness in your heart? Do you need help overcoming the enemies in your life? E-mail Bryan Garlock or text 903.308.4905.

“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.” (Matthew 5.7, ESV)¹

_____________________________

¹Jesus has called His disciples to be merciful toward those who have sinned against us. The reason being is because “as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive” (Col. 3.13b, ESV).

Jesus told the apostles a story of a man who would not forgive (Read Matt. 18.21-35). Notice that mercy will not be shown to the person who does not show mercy. This is parallel to Jesus’ words, “For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses” (Matt. 6.14-15, ESV).

Are you holding a grudge? Are you bitter inside? Let us help you overcome these things. Only when one forgives is there true peace! E-mail Bryan Garlock or text 903.308.4905 to learn more!