Matthew 5:43-45

You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. - Matthew 5:43-45

Dear Jesus,

Your words are a pretty tall order.  I so infrequently see anyone reach beyond the ill deeds of their enemies to love them that I struggle to know what it looks like.  But when I read about your life, I see you practicing this precept perfectly.  You didn't just show love to your enemies.  You actually did love them.  You loved me when I was once your enemy.  You love me now when I act like an enemy while I am your friend.  Your example and your presence in my soul gives me courage to repay those who are adversarial to me with loving deeds of kindness.  I will never forget these words of yours when I see the rain blessing everyone, good and evil, indiscriminately. It will be a reminder of how you lead me to live.  AMEN

Pastor Don Patterson

Love does not discriminate or hesitate.  It affects everyone in its path.