“But I tell you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you that you may be sons of your Father in Heaven.” Matthew 5:44

This is a troublesome passage. It’s troublesome because I don’t always love those who persecute me and my fellow Believers. I want revenge. I find it hard to love my enemies too. I’m not talking about that vast group of people who hate us on the other side of the world; I’m talking about my neighbor. I’m talking about my co-worker. I’m talking about my former friend.

So what exactly is loving your enemies? First of all, we need to ask God to help us to love our enemies because without that, it’s difficult and often impossible. Then we need to find ways to reach out, just as Christ would reach out. Jesus goes even one step further. Pray for them. Wow! Even then you might need to ask Him how you can pray for them because in your own strength, it’s extremely difficult.

Like I said, it’s a troublesome passage.