Posted on 04/30/2006 7:09:22 AM PDT by Knitting A Conundrum
Morning Meditation
PSALM
All my bones shall say, "O LORD, who is like thee,
thou who deliverest the weak from him who is too strong for him,
the weak and needy from him who despoils him?"
Malicious witnesses rise up;
they ask me of things that I know not.
They requite me evil for good; my soul is forlorn.
But I, when they were sick -- I wore sackcloth,
I afflicted myself with fasting.
I prayed with head bowed on my bosom,
as though I grieved for my friend or my brother;
I went about as one who laments his mother,
bowed down and in mourning.
Psalm 35:10-14
SCRIPTURE READING
"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 have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you salute only your brethren, 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
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. : Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly; never be conceited. Repay no one evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends upon you, live peaceably with all.
Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God; for it is written, "Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord." No, "if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals upon his head."
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Romans 12 14-21
MEDITATION
Dear Lord,
when my enemy hurts me,
teach me to give you first my pain
before I have a chance to hurt back
and continue the chain of
sin and sorrow.
Dear Lord,
when my enemy hurts me,
let me see through my hurt
to his hurt,
and then to help him in his sorrow.
Dear Lord,
when my enemy hurts me,
instead of feeling sorry for my self,
let me pray for him,
that he may be healed,
now and forever,
Amen.
BTTT!
devotional ping!
Thank you so much for these beautiful meditations!
Great prayers!!!!
[Luke] 6:27-38 - THE LAW OF LOVE
...The Greek language has three words for love, which enable us to distinguish Christian love (agape) from passionate devotion (eros) and warm affection (philia). Jesus did not tell his disciples to fall in love with their enemies or to feel for them as they felt for their families and friends. Agape is a gracious, determined, and active interest in the true welfare of others, which is not deterred even by hatred, cursing, and abuse, not limited by calculation of deserts or results, based solely on the nature of God. Love does not retaliate (vv. 27-31), seeks no reward (vv. 32-36), is not censorious (vv. 37-38).
The men who were bidden to love their enemies were living in enemy-occupied territory, where resentment was natural and provocation frequent. They were not just to submit to aggression, but to rob it of its sting by voluntarily going beyond its demands. To those who believe in standing up for their individual or national rights this teaching has always seemed idealistic, if not actually immoral. But those who are concerned with the victory of the kingdom of God over the kingdom of Satan can see that it is the only realism. He who retaliates thinks that he is manfully resisting aggression; in fact, he is making an unconditional surrender to evil. Where before there was one under the control of evil, now there are two. Evil propagates by contagion. It can be contained and defeated only when hatred, insult, and injury are absorbed and neutralized by Love...
Most people - even sinners - have a rough-and-ready ethic based on common sense, enlightened self-interest, give-and-take; and they can claim to be as good as their neighbours. But the followers of Jesus must go further. The Christian ethic is Ethics Part II. Other systems distinguish what is right from what is wrong: Jesus distinguishes what is good from what is merely right, and urges his disciples not to be content with the lower standard. Duty is not enough. Duty obeys the rules, but love grasps opportunities. Duty acts under constraint, love is spontaneous and therefore gracious. Duty expects to be recompensed or at least recognized, love expects nothing in return. To love like that is to be sons of the Most High; for likeness is proof of parentage. 'Be merciful' might appear to be less exacting than Matthew's 'You, therefore, must be perfect' (Matt. 5:41). In the Old Testament, however, to be perfect means to be completely loyal and is a normal human virtue, but mercy is the very character of God. The son must inherit the attributes of his Father.
Generosity in giving must be matched by generosity of judgement. The rule of measure for measure does not mean that God deals with men on a basis of strict justice -- the rest of the sermon belies that -- but that intake is in proportion to output. He who gives and forgives sparingly receives sparingly. The gifts of God, including his mercy, come most freely to those who most freely pass them on to others.
http://www.bibletexts.com/terms/agape-c.htm
What can you do about your enemies? How can you cope with a person who threatens you or is hostile toward you? God has the answer to these questions.
The Word of God teaches us not to be bitter, hostile or vengeful toward another person. You might not like what others do or say, but you must love them as Christ commanded. Jesus' teaching in Matthew 5:43-48 demonstrates how you should act. Rather than react in retaliation, you are to love those who hate you. Satan is the source of contention (Ephesians 6:12) and would have you make others your enemies. Your fleshly nature allows him the opportunity to deceive you (Gal. 5:19-21). God wants your fleshly nature replaced with His nature, the fruit of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22,23).
What Scripture Says
Go out of your way to help your enemy: "If you meet your enemy's ox or his donkey going astray, you shall surely bring it back to him again. If you see the donkey of one who hates you lying under its burden, and you would refrain from helping it, you shall surely help him with it" (Exodus 23:4-5).
Do not rejoice when your enemy is down: "Do not rejoice when your enemy falls, and do not let your heart be glad when he stumbles; lest the Lord see it, and it displease Him, and He turn away His wrath from him" (Proverbs 24:17-18).
Love your enemies: "But I say to you who hear: love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you. To him who strikes you on the one cheek, offer the other also. And from him who takes away your cloak, do not withhold your tunic either.
"Give to everyone who asks of you. And from him who takes away your goods do not ask them back. And just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise. But if you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. And if you lend to those from whom you hope to receive back, what credit is that to you? For even sinners lend to sinners to receive as much back.
But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Highest. For He is kind to the unthankful and evil. Therefore be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful. Judge not, and you shall not be judged. Condemn not, and you shall not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven" (Luke 6:27-37).
Allow God to deal with your enemies: "Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.... Beloved, do not avenge your-selves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, ’Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,’ says the Lord. Therefore if your enemy hungers, feed him; if he thirsts, give him a drink; for in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good" (Romans 12:14, 19-21).
God's Answer
For God to help you work out your problems, you must first be assured that you have been forgiven for your own sins. Have you asked the Lord to forgive you? If not, do so right now. Repent of all known sin, including any feelings of enmity toward another.
You cannot afford to entertain even the thought of declaring someone your enemy. It will hurt you to harbour hate (which is as the sin of murder) in your heart. For your own physical, emotional and spiritual well-being, evaluate your feelings and attitudes. Are they Christ-like? Pray for the fruit of the Spirit, which includes love, peace, joy, goodness, kindness, meekness, patience and self-control (Galatians 5:22,23). God will produce love within you, which may not have been there before. Ask God to forgive your attitude, especially feelings of bitterness, resentment and hate. Also forgive your enemy and ask God to forgive him.
If possible, go to your former enemy and together confront the conflict between you. Genuinely ask for forgiveness, no matter what the response or attitude is toward you. As you love your enemy, you will gain a new brother or sister in Christ, according to God's Word (Matthew 5:44; Romans 12:17-21). Pray with your new friend and seek ways to cultivate a genuine friendship.
If your heart is not right toward another, God will not accept your worship. He will only honour your relationship with Him when that broken human relationship is corrected (Matthew 7:3-5). You may then ask in good conscience and faith to be baptized with the Holy Spirit (Luke 11:13). The Holy Spirit will help you live a godly, blessed life—free from the bondage of sin. He will give you love for all—even your former enemies.
As You Pray
Thank God for His love and patience. Admit that your feelings and attitudes have not been Christ-like. Ask Him to forgive you and give you a genuine love for your former enemy. Ask God to forgive your new friend for anything he/she may have done or said against you. Thank God for giving you love for your friend and for showing you ways to cultivate it. Pray for your friend to be blessed of God and pray that he/she will be given a great love for you also.
http://www.crossroads.ca/response/enemies.htm
This hits so close to home. I am trying not to hate someone and wish harm on them. I have difficulty praying for them. I just have to say to God, "By an act of my will, I pray for her."
You said the magic words - an act of will. We have to choose it. It may not be in our hearts in the sense of a positive emotion, but we can, with the help of the Holy Spirit choose the right thing. It can be so hard. It's these things God used, I believe, to help us grow.
Love Your Enemies Bible Study
Let Jesus Transform Your Heart
(c) 2001, 2005 Doug Britton (Permission granted to print for personal use)
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 (Matthew 5:43-44).
Loving your enemies: Introduction
This Bible study and self-test is part of a series of free online studies on anger. They are adapted from Victory Over Grumpiness, Irritation and Anger. Feel free to print them out, and use them to evaluate yourself.
Reasons to love your enemies
God commands us to love.
A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another (John 13:34).
But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you (Luke 6:27-28).
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse (Romans 12:14).
We work hard with our own hands. When we are cursed, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it (1 Corinthians 4:12).
Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord. On the contrary: "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head." Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good (Romans 12:17-21).
Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing (1 Peter 3:9).
Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates his brother is still in the darkness. Whoever loves his brother lives in the light, and there is nothing in him to make him stumble (1 John 2:9-10).
Our highest calling is to spread the Gospel and help others grow in Christ.
Study "dissensions" in Galatians 5:19-21 and Romans 13:13.
By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another (John 13:35).
But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice (Philippians 1:18).
Jesus loved his enemies. Make him your example.
O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing! (Luke 13:34).
Hints to help you love your enemies
Realize that you may have misinterpreted the other person's words.
* He or she may be distracted.
* He or she may be busy.
* He or she may be going through a personal crisis.
* He or she may be sick or exhausted.
Realize that you may be right: The other person may be your enemy.
However, if someone insults you or dislikes you, you need to respond in a Christ-like manner.
Determine what part you played in the problem.
You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye (Matthew 7:5).
See problems as opportunities to grow in Christ.
Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope (Romans 5:3-4).
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds (James 1:2).
That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong (2 Corinthians 12:10).
Forgive . . . even if your enemy does not apologize.
Follow Jesus' example: Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing (Luke 23:34).
Follow Stephen's example: Then he fell on his knees and cried out, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them." When he had said this, he fell asleep (Acts 7:60).
Pray for your enemies.
When you feel irritated about someone:
* Pray for the other person's needs.
* Pray that God will help you forgive.
* Pray that God will help you love him or her.
Evaluate your love for your enemies
How well do you practice the following verses?
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails (1 Corinthians 13:4-8).
Score yourself from 0-10 on each of the following.
"0" means, "I need a lot of improvement."
"10" means, "I'm great at this."
____ I am patient.
____ I am kind.
____ I do not envy.
____ I do not boast.
____ I am not proud.
____ I am not rude.
____ I am not self-seeking.
____ I am not easily angered.
____ I keep no record of wrongs.
____ I do not delight in evil.
____ I rejoice with the truth.
____ I always protect.
____ I always trust.
____ I always hope.
____ I always persevere.
____ My love never fails.
Love your enemies: Personal application
Write a prayer asking God to help you be more loving toward your enemies and others.
http://www.dougbrittonbooks.com/onlinebiblestudies-irritationandangermanagement/loveyourenemy-lovingallyourenemies.asp
"Love means loving the unlovable - or it is no virtue at all.
G.K. Chesterton.
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