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Changing Enemies Into Friends
July 26, 2012

During the US Civil War, hatred became entrenched between the North and South. In one instance, President Abraham Lincoln was criticized for speaking of benevolent treatment for the Southern rebels. The critic reminded Lincoln that there was a war going on, the Confederates were the enemy, and they should be destroyed. But Lincoln wisely responded, “I destroy my enemies when I make them my friends.”

Lincoln’s comment is insightful. In many ways it reflects Jesus’ teaching in the Sermon on the Mount: “I say to you, 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, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven” (Matt. 5:44-45).

We will encounter difficult people in our lives—some on whom we will need to set limits. But to give in to the temptation to undermine or hurt them in any way is not God’s way. Instead, we should pray for them, show consideration, look out for their best interests, and emphasize the positive. This may result in changing an enemy into a friend.

Not everyone will respond positively to us, but we can pray and plan for a more harmonious relationship. What difficult person can you start befriending?

Lord, some people in my life are difficult to love.
I am tempted not even to try to care. But You showed
love to me even when I was Your enemy. Please direct
me into ways to love with Your power and grace.

It’s hard to hate someone when you’re doing something good for him.

Read: Matthew 5:43-48

But I say to you, love your enemies . . . do good to those who hate you. —Matthew 5:44

Bible in a Year:
Song of Solomon 5-8

“Not everyone will respond positively to us, but we can pray and plan for a more harmonious relationship. What difficult person can you start befriending?”
____________________________________________________________

“Lord, some people in my life are difficult to love.
I am tempted not even to try to care. But You showed
love to me even when I was Your enemy. Please direct
me into ways to love with Your power and grace.
It’s hard to hate someone when you’re doing something good for him.”
____________________________________________________________

“Read: Matthew 5:43-48

But I say to you, love your enemies . . . do good to those who hate you. —Matthew 5:44”
____________________________________________________________

Rus, I have been thinking, contemplating and even praying over your post today:

"Lord, some people in my life are difficult to love.
I am tempted not even to try to care. But You showed love to me
even when I was Your enemy.
Please direct me into ways to love with Your power and grace."

I love those words - yet I cannot love the 'one' who is taking away our Freedom, our Liberty, our Rights
and who takes our Lord God out of everything that is America
And chips away, day by day, at our Constitution,
with his damned 'executive authority/rights/power/order'

Sorry..........

(and NO - I will NOT pray for him or his Czars)