Sunday, 11th February 2024
Alex Buabeng-Korsah
TOPIC: COMPASSION
THEME SCRIPTURE: “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.” - Matthew 5:44
PREPARATORY QUESTIONS:
- Why must we pray for an enemy, and those who despitefully use us?
Jesus’ teaching on loving your enemy is one that distinguishes Christian behaviour and raises the bar regarding ethics.
People who see us and treat us as enemies are those we find it difficult to love. They hurt us, bruise us, and dishonor us. How can such a person be loved? This is why C. G. Montefiore, a Jewish scholar, stated, “This is the central and most famous section” of Jesus’ sermon on the Mount. It is one of the most difficult but also the most unique passages in Scripture. Naturally, no man is expected to love his enemy. But the one who has been born again, one who understands the enabling grace of our Lord, does not live by natural course. He lives by the Spirit.
See this. The love of God is poured out in our hearts by the Holy Ghost who has been given unto us (Rom 5:5). This love (agape) is not ordinary love but the unconditional love. It is the love only God gives. This love works regardless of the circumstances. This love is an extension of the love of Christ, who died for undeserving men.
Jesus points out clearly that, as children of our Father in heaven, loving our enemies is a reflection of how God makes His sun shine on both the wicked and the good and His rain on the just and unjust (Matt 5:45).
When men have no father like our Father in heaven or have not received the life of Christ as we have, they act wrongly because they lack understanding. This is similar to Saul at the time he was persecuting the church. When Jesus met him on the way to Damascus, He questioned him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me” (Acts 9:4)? Jesus continued by telling Saul (who became Paul) that “I am Jesus whom you are persecuting (Acts 9:5) when Saul questioned the one who was speaking. Thus, every persecution of a disciple is a direct persecution of Jesus. What do you think will be the repercussions for our enemies? This is why you must pray for God’s mercy on your enemies.
Beloved, when someone cheats you or hurts you, you can only have compassion on Him because it is not you he has hurt but God.
Always be moved with compassion towards those who think they are smarter than you to take advantage of you or stronger than you to persecute you. It is in this spirit that Jesus, on the cross, cried, “Father forgive them because they do not know what they do” (Luke 23:34). To them, they are picking your pocket, but they do not know that they are picking their own pockets. Show compassion to those who see and treat you as an enemy.
Precious one, if you love those who love you, what extra mile have you gone compared to those of the world?
If you salute your brothers and people within your group who make you comfortable, what have you done differently from an unbeliever? This is why Jesus quizzed, “Do not the tax collectors do the same” (Matt 5:47)? “Be ye perfect, even as your Father who is in heaven is perfect” (Matt 5:48). Only love and true compassion can make us reflect the perfection of our Father. Remain blessed.
FURTHER READING – Matthew 5:43-48
Call to Salvation: Today is your day if you have not received salvation by turning over your life to Jesus Christ. Click here to do so.
QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU MEDITATE ON THE WORD:
- Have you ever prayed for your enemies before?
- Are you still praying for them any time you go on your knees?
PRAYER
Precious Father, in the name of Jesus, I pray for all my enemies--those who have despitefully used me one way or the other. I ask that your mercies abound towards them. I receive your grace for them to come to know you, the true Father, and Jesus Christ our Lord. Let the transforming power of your love hit them like a bolt of lightening, in Jesus’ precious name, Hallelujah!
1-Year Bible Reading Plan
Exodus 21; Psalm 74; Mark 7
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