
This could very possibly be one of the most difficult
things we face as Christians. It is fairly simple to
"love our neighbors" particularly when they too
are God fearing Christians. But what of those souls who
have not yet found God's Way? What about the person who
has backsliden? What about the ones who are governed by
evil or in other words just plan not nice people? What
about the co-worker who took credit for our work? Or the
ex-spouse who distroyed our lives? What about the people
in authority who set down rules that only please other
wrong doers but not for the good of the masses? What
about those in our lives that will tempt us to do wrong?
How Do We Treat
Our Enemies???
(How Should We
Treat Our Enemies?)
Matthew 5:38-44
Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye,
and a tooth for a tooth: But I say unto you, That ye
resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy
right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if any man
will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him
have thy cloak also. And whosoever shall compel thee to
go a mile, go with him twain. Give to him that asketh
thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not
thou away. Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou
shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say
unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you,
do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which
despitefully use you, and persecute you;
Love Them:
(love your enemies)
Luke 6:27 But I say unto you which hear, Love your
enemies,
do good to them which hate you,
Bless Them:
(bless them that curse you)
Luke 6:28 Bless them that curse you, and pray for them
which
despitefully use you.
Do Good to Them:
(do good to them that hate you)
1 Thessalonians 5:15 See that none render evil for evil
unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both
among yourselves, and to all men.
Pray for Them:
(and pray for them that despitefully use you)
Luke 6:28 Bless them that curse you, and pray for them
which
despitefully use you.
Bless Them that
Persecute You:
(and persecute you)
Matthew 5:11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you,
and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil
against you falsely, for my sake.
12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your
reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets
which were before you.
Be Merciful to
Them:
Luke 6:36 Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also
is merciful.
37 Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not,
and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be
forgiven:
38 Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure,
pressed down, and shaken together, and running over,
shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure
that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.
Romans 12:17-21
Recompense to no
man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of
all men. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live
peaceably with all men. Dearly beloved, avenge not
yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is
written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.
Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst,
give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of
fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome
evil with good.
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