The Eternal One does not think like we do. “My thoughts are not your thoughts” And one place that the difference is very obvious is the choice between hate and love. Hate, if we are honest, comes in various forms. Aggressive and cruel. Cool and dismissive. Anything that falls short of love qualifies. The requirement is broad. Not only my friends, but my enemies are included. “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you that you may be sons of your Father in heaven.” (Jesus-Matthew 5:44-45)
Day 31 – will you pray for your enemies?
It was a very dark world when the Light first shined into it. Christmas Eve is always a reminder to me. And one of the ways that Light conquers the darkness is by loving it. “While we were yet sinners, Christ died.” Today in your quiet time will you lift before the Lord those people who have hurt you? Your critics, your opponents? Someone who has disappointed you? It may be the holiest moment of your Christmas season, and the most Christ-like.
Re: Verse reading – Luke 13:10-17 (day one)
Thank you Father for even the difficult relationships where you give us an opportunity to learn both how to love our enemies and how to overcome evil with Good. It is here where You can reveal to us who You are and who You want to be within and through us. I am still learning…. still falling so short, but it is in that absolute poverty of soul that says “I cannot do this….I have no resources to go past forgiveness all the way back to Love” that Your resources can be known. May Your will be done in our lives in this area. Amen.