“But i say to you who hear: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you.” Luke 6:27
Have you ever come across a person who is so miserable that everything coming out of his mouth is evil, full of hatred? How do you respond to people like that? Does it make you want to return evil for evil, hatred for hatred?
In the above verse Jesus commands his followers to love their enemies. Jesus knew that there are persons who love nothing more than making your life miserable. He also knows that we cannot change them, but we can control how we react to them.
When Christ hung on the cross in much pain, He asked the Father to forgive His persecutors. We have been instructed to do the same. We must act like Christ would, “Beloved do not avenge yourselves; but rather give place to wrath; for it is written ‘. Vengeance is Mine, I will repay’ , says the Lord. Therefore, ‘ If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head’ Do not overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Romans 12:19-21.
We are Christ’s representative here on earth, and we are responsible for how we respond to situations. We must not give others a reason to critique us. We must do good, and by doing so we show others the right way to live.
We will never be able to win others to Christ if we hate the very ones who need him the most. Love is the answer.