Sunday Is Coming

Good morning from Arizona,

I pray your week is going smoothly. LaVon is feeling some better. Thanks for your prayers and phone calls; you are such an encouragement.

This week, I have encountered the-love-your-neighbor issue several times, so let me share this with you:

But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike. --Matthew 5:44-45

There may be someone in your life who has hurt you, someone who has disappointed you. And you think because of that, you don't ever want to talk to them again, much less share the gospel with them. But as Believers, we are to overcome our personal prejudices and hang-ups. And instead of saying, "Never, Lord," we need to say, "Yes, Lord!" Be willing. See what God will do.

Maybe there is even someone right now whom you regard as an enemy. What can you do? You can share the gospel--and leave the results in the hands of God.

Nowhere did the Law teach hatred for one’s enemies. Passages like Exodus 23:4-5 indicate just the opposite! Jesus defined our enemies as those who curse us, hate us, and exploit us selfishly. Since Christian love is an act of the will, and not simply an emotion, He has the right to command us to love our enemies. After all, He loved us when we were His enemies (Romans 5:10). We may show this love by blessing those who curse us, doing good to them, and praying for them. When we pray for our enemies, we find it easier to love them. It takes the “poison” out of our attitudes.


Have a great day, love you, pass it on.
Don

Permanent address:
Chaplain Don & LaVon Baker
3334 W. Main St., PMB 300
Norman, OK 73072
http://bakersblessings.blogspot.com/