Today’s Devotional – January 16th (How To Love Your Enemies)
By admin On January 13th, 2021.
.
Today’s Devotional – January 16th
.
.
.
.
How To Love Your Enemies
.
.
.
.
.
“But I say unto you which hear,
Love your enemies,
do good to them which hate you,
Bless them that curse you,
and pray for them which despitefully use you…
Luke 6:27-30
.
.
.
.
.
.
PAUL’S SPIRITUAL GROWTH
.
If one reads the book of Acts carefully, it will be discovered that the Apostle, Paul, was on a “learning curve”, as they say.
.
That is, Paul made some dreadful mistakes along the way.
.
For instance, in Acts, Chapter 23, when slapped, Paul in a heat of the moment cried out… “God shall smite thee, thou whited wall” Acts 23:3.
.
Now of course, Paul should never have cursed any man, but instead, should have left such things in the hands of God.
.
But that wasn’t all! For just a little while later, he made a very controversial statement, knowing that it would spark a heated debate between the two factions, Pharisees and Sadducees.
.
And it did.
.
Paul persecuted by Pharisees & Sadducees – www.thebiblerevival.com – US Public Domain
.
.
.
.
.
PAUL REACTED IN LOVE & RESPECT
.
But it is evident that Paul had finally learned his lesson.
.
Because, later, when standing before King Agrippa and 
Governor Festus, in Acts, Ch. 26.
.
You see, right in the middle of Paul’s defense of himself, Festus cried out, probably in a mocking manner… “Paul, thou art beside thyself; much learning doth make thee mad!” Acts 26:24
.
Now at this point, Paul could have easily responded in anger at Festus’ insult.
.
But he didn’t! Instead, Paul said very gracious words in return to Festus.
.
And as a result of Paul’s soft and respectful answer, the king Agrippa, who was listening to this exchange, said to Paul… “Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian!” Acts 26:28.
.
You see, if Paul had lost his temper, the king would never have been persuaded (almost). But Paul had passed his test!
.
And God had now prepared Paul for his ultimate evangelistic encounter…Caesar, the Emperor of Rome, whom he was going to testify before, in the near future.
.
Paul before Agrippa and Festus – Nikolai Bodarevsky – Wikimedia – US public domain
.
.
.
.
.
LIFE THRU THE LOVING EYES OF JESUS
.
And this little account of Paul’s spiritual growth is a wonderful lesson for us today!
.
In a day when it is so easy to judge or speak critical words, we must remember that we have been chosen to be “ambassadors for Christ”, (2nd Corinthians 5:20.)
.
And as such, we have a solemn duty to treat each and every person, be it spouse, or children, or neighbors, or strangers, or even politicians with the utmost tender respect, as possible candidates for Heaven.
.
But more than this, we need to see all of humanity through the loving eyes of Jesus.
.
Yes, even our enemies! God created them, and until we walk in their shoes, we need to keep from judging them.
.
.
.
.
.
.
TRY A LITTLE TENDERNESS
.
It is amazing what a little love and a little respect can do, to patch up a broken relationship.
.
And to give a gift in secret to one who has been offended will go a long way in mending a wounded soul!
.
Remember our key Bible passage…
“Love your enemies,
do good to them which hate you,
Bless them that curse you,
and pray for them which despitefully use you.”
Yes, here is the formula for winning souls to Christ.
.
So, should a cashier speak rudely to me, I must try Paul’s tactics, and speak lovingly and respectfully back, remembering that I too have failed in treating others kindly!
.
Anger during a protest – by David Shankbone – cropped image – Wikimedia – Share-alike-License
.
.
.
.
.
UNLOVING SITUATIONS
.
So if my spouse is cold and unloving, instead of returning that cold lovelessness, why not go and pray for grace to be warm, forgiving, and deeply respectful to that precious soul created and given by God, my spouse?
.
.
.
.
.
.
THE FORSAKEN
.
Or what about that overweight person in the mall, or that drunkard begging?
.
Are not their souls every bit as precious to Jesus as is my soul?
.
Therefore, because they too are dear and precious in the sight of God, they should be dear and precious in our sight as well!
.
After all, didn’t Jesus bleed and die for them also?
.
Drunk Panhandler – Wikipedia – Public-Domain
.
.
.
.
.
A WELLSPRING OF LOVE AND FORGIVENESS
.
Now having said all these things, we must remember what Jesus said in John 7:38…“He that believeth on Me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.”
.
Yes, the child of God does not need to somehow dredge up love and forgiveness.
.
Those virtues will flow continually out of the heart of every true worshiper of God.
.
Elakala Waterfalls Swirling Pool Mossy Rocks – Wikimedia – Share-alike License
.
.
.
.
FURTHER READING….
“How To Spot The Biggest Sinner!” , Or you may also read…”February 27th . . . . LOVE IS NOT A PICK-n-CHOOSE BUFFET”
Question book magnify svg – Wikimedia – GNU license
.
.
.
.
TODAY’S PRAYER…
“Dear Lord, Give me that spirit of love, for each member of the human family. Give me that deep respect for every precious soul whom you have died for, whether in my home or neighborhood, or around the world…
Prayer – Anna Blunden – For Only One Short Hour – Wikimedia – Public Domain
.
.
.
.
THE END
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
TODAY’S FEATURED HEAVENLY SIGN
.
.
.
“THE SCORNER (THE PHARISEE)”
.
Please tilt your head to the left. Do you see a man with a very long pointed nose. (Obviously, the sketch to the right is just an exaggeration in order to help you find the face in the photo to the left.)
.
Do you see an angry look? His right eyebrow is raised as if he is judging.
.
This face in the Moon appears to be that of a combination of a man as well as a fox.
Or maybe a wolf.
Doesn’t he have a long narrow nose like a wolf or fox? Maybe even a dog.
Nevertheless, the expression on his face, as he appears to look down upon the Earth, is that of scorn, as if he is disgusted at the sinful planet below.
He is very moral, you see.
.
ABOVE PICTURE – Moon – 2nd Face – Pharisee Scorner
.
.
.
.
.
READ MORE…
To explore deeper into this subject, please read… “Moon Into Blood Trilogy: 2nd Face: The Pharisee Scorner”
.
.
.
.
TOMORROW:
Daily Devotional – January 17: “The Dumbing Down of Society”
Government Censorship – Wikimedia – Public Domain
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
20 MINUTE+ AUDIO STUDY IN JEREMIAH 
.
ALL ‘NOBLE BEREANS’ (open-minded seekers of Bible truth) ARE INVITED TO LISTEN TO THIS STUDY #16, PRESENTED BY THE LATE HAROLD CAMPING, FORMER CEO OF FAMILY RADIO…
.
.
Prophet Jeremiah – www.christianimagesource.com – Public Domain