Proclaiming The Gospel Of Jesus ChristSýnishorn

LOVE YOUR ENEMY

"You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbour and hate your enemy.’ 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 5:43-45 

The Ten Booms, a Dutch family who were Christians, sheltered Jews in their house during World War II. When the Gestapo found the Jews there, they took the whole family to a concentration camp, where they suffered much. Corrie nursed her sister, Betsie, in her arms as she was dying. When she died, one of the guards threw a shovel at her and said, “Bury your own sister!” 

After the war, Corrie was preaching one day. Suddenly she saw a man in the congregation and recognised him as the guard from the camp where her sister had died. When she stood at the door to greet the people after the service, this man walked up to her, put out his hand, and asked for her forgiveness. Corrie froze. She cried out to God for help. The Holy Spirit said in her heart, “Forgive him and love him.” Mechanically she took the man’s hand, “I forgive you, brother, with all my heart,” she cried out. Corrie Ten Boom said she had never known God’s love as intensely as she did then.  

Do you have anger and bitterness in your heart today? Leave it at the foot of the cross. Forgive and love your enemies. Jesus will fill you with His peace. 

Lord Jesus, I don’t want to carry this anger and bitterness one step further. Help me to forgive all people who hurt me. Amen