Mathew 5:44 “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”
DAILY READING; Romans 11:25-36; 1 Samuel 21-22; Psalm 66
During WW1 and WW2, there were soldiers who refused to fight due to their religious beliefs. They were known as conscientious objectors. These men who were conscripted into the army against their will, refused to carry any weapon or fight in battles.
While other countries jailed them or even sentenced them to death, the America government allowed conscientious objectors to perform alternate services. They served as medics who cared for wounded soldiers or as chaplains or filled other support roles. The most famous of them is an army medic named Desmond Doss.
When Desmond Doss joined the United States Army during WW2, he refused to carry any gun because of the Biblical Commandment, “Thou shalt not kill”. His only weapons were his Bible and his faith in God.
Due to his refusal to carry a gun, other soldiers ostracized him, bullied him, and even threatened to kill him. His commanding officers attempted to have him discharged for mental illness, because they felt he was a coward. At night when he prayed, boots and other items were often thrown at him. However, despite the maltreatment, Desmond always responded with love. While serving as a medic, he exhibited extraordinary dedication in treating the wounded soldiers, including even those who had abused him.
On May 5, 1945, the men in Desmond’s division were engaged in a bloody battle on a mountain area, called Hacksaw Ridge. More than half of the men were wounded and officers ordered an immediate retreat. While all the soldiers ran away, Desmond alone ran back into the battle field to rescue the wounded soldiers. His risked his life to save at least 75 soldiers. Desmond’s heroic actions won over his fellow soldiers and he became greatly celebrated among them.
In recognition of Desmond’s heroic acts, on October 12, 1945 at the white house, the American President, Harry S. Truman, honored him with the nation’s highest medal.
Desmond Doss became the first conscientious objector in history to be awarded the Medal of Honor.
Jesus said in Mathew 5:44 ‘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;’
The above verse is the first recorded statement from the lips of Jesus concerning prayer. Interestingly the first thing He said to us about prayer was to pray for our enemies!
Ability to pray for our enemies and love them is indication that the nature of Christ has truly taken root in us.
The truth is that oppositions reveal our spiritual positioning and trials of life expose what is in our heart. How we respond to wrongdoings against us, reflects how deeply rooted we are spiritually.
We must pass the love test to qualify as true believers in Christ.
There is no question that we live in a dark world where we sometimes encounter people and situations that challenge our ability to demonstrate the love of God. But in the dark places is where your light is meant to shine best.
No matter how you may be maltreated, always respond with love and kindness.
If your goal is to pursue a life of obedience to God, you have to understand that not everyone is going to like you. People will sometimes criticize you, maltreat you and abuse you. Rather than pay them back in their own coin, we must obey Jesus’ commandment to respond in love. No matter how you may have been hurt, always remember the battle is not yours, it is the Lord’s and vengeance belongs to Him alone.
Learning to operate in the God-Kind of Love insulates you from the offences and tactics of the enemy that try to hinder your spiritual growth and stop the manifestations of God’s blessings in your life.
To show the God-kind of love we must continually receive His Word into our hearts. When we are dominated and influenced by God’s Word, we will receive the ability to manifest His love to the world.
Though it may not be easy, but as you keep showing love, God will surely honor you. He will prepare a table before you in the presence of your enemies, He will promote you, and you’ll be great and celebrated in the midst of your critics!
PRAYER
Lord, please help me to love even people that may sometimes maltreat me. Help me to forgive those who have hurt me. Please enable me to always shine Your love and Your light wherever I go in Jesus Name.
Quote
Illuminate your world, for you are a star destined to shine- – WORDBITE 222