Verse of the Day 7-8-22

But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Luke 6:35

In vv. 27-42, Jesus tells us how we are to conduct ourselves toward others, particularly those who oppose or disagree with us. As believers, we are to accept the responsibility of the requirements he outlines here. And there are two big things that we must remember about loving our enemies.

1. Loving our enemies does not mean an emotional love, such as showing affection for them; this love speaks of having a genuine concern for their good and especially for their eternal spiritual salvation. Since we know the terrible consequences awaiting those who are hostile to God and his people, we must pray for them and attempt to introduce them to Christ. One way we can do this is through kind and gracious actions and by repaying good for evil-love for hate.
2. Loving our enemies does not mean to passively stand by as the wicked continue to defy God. With God’s approval and guidance, we must graciously, humbly, but boldly, take a stand against evil and ungodliness. When it is necessary for God’s honor, for the safety of others or for the highest good of the wicked, extreme action must be taken to stop evil.

Today’s Bible Readings:

1 Chronicles 5:18-6:81, Acts 26, Psalm 6:1-10 and Proverbs 18:20-21