I have seen many posts filled with political bashing because of a leaders incompetency and corrupt actions. I have seen many posts about the disturbing red carpet valentine flesh costume the super bowl halftime show and various drag queen shows with kids present. I’ve seen people calling Andy Stanley out for recent statements that are conflicted with sound doctrine as well as posts about churches like Hillsong and Bethel for various scandals and false teaching. We, including myself, are very quick in this culture to call out the evil we see.
Evil is an enemy of God, Evil actions, evil people, evil statements are all at enmity or opposition to Him. There have been many times I jump on the bandwagon of calling out the evil I see but I have not been very consistent at following Jesus’ direction for how we should love and treat our enemies. Recently, I have been convicted because the balance of our response as believers has been on the side of speaking the truth without love as opposed to showing love to the lost. Jesus describes the love we should have for enemies of God, He says in Matthew:
“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
Matthew 5:43-48
The words of Jesus directly contradict my natural response. He tells me to love my enemy and to pray for my enemy in these verses. He asks me what reward do I have if I only love those who love me? I need to love those who do not love me, I need to love those who do not have a Biblical world view, I need to love Biden, Putin, Andy Stanley, Rihanna..and perhaps the greatest way I can show love is to pray for them. At one time we were all enemies of God, separate from His grace and forgiveness. Anyone apart from Jesus as their Savior is an enemy of God.
It is hard to see it that way, it is a tough pill to swallow to think that people in our families, friends or even complete strangers are enemies of God…BUT the good news is that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. While we were enemies, Christ loved us and laid down His life for us. He loves the lost and that includes those parading sin in this world. They need Jesus and he died for them just as he died for me and you.
Romans 5:10
I want to challenge us as believers to be quicker to pray for our enemies and that God would save the souls of people so clearly walking apart from Him. When we see someone parading evil let’s pray God works in their hearts…
PRAY BEFORE WE POST.
God works miracles in the lives of people everyday. If we all take a minute to pray for the soul of the individual, political leader, the country, or the person walking in opposition to the Lord BEFORE we post about it, it begins to soften our hearts towards them. It reminds us that the grace of God is extended to all who would believe and repent. God has been encouraging and refining my heart with this and I pray he will encourage yours as well.
The Lord Bless you and Keep You,
Kara
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