Love for Enemies
Love for Enemies3
How Important Is It to Forgive and Bless Our Enemies?
By David Wilkerson0PRO 19:11MAT 5:44LUK 6:27ROM 12:19EPH 4:32COL 3:13David Wilkerson emphasizes the critical importance of forgiving and blessing our enemies, as outlined in Romans 12:19. He warns that refusing to forgive leads to greater guilt, a shutdown of God's mercy, and a loss of peace, allowing our persecutors to triumph over us. Wilkerson highlights the need to control our anger and not act on it, as true forgiveness brings glory to God and builds our character. He reminds us of Jesus' command to love our enemies through blessing, doing good, and praying for them, which opens the door to divine favor and blessings.
Strong, Spiritual Castor Oil
By David Wilkerson0MAT 5:43David Wilkerson emphasizes the challenging command of Jesus to love our enemies, likening it to the bitter yet healing nature of castor oil. He explains that Jesus was not contradicting the law but rather restoring its true spirit, which calls for love and compassion even towards those we may despise. Wilkerson acknowledges the difficulty of loving those whose actions we abhor, such as sinners and those who oppose Christ, but insists that we must separate the person from their sin and pray for them. He reflects on his own anger towards those who openly reject God, reminding us that true representation of Christ requires love and prayer for all, regardless of their actions. Ultimately, he urges believers to embrace this command and act upon it.
Matthew 5:43
By Chuck Smith0MAT 5:43Chuck Smith emphasizes the radical teaching of Jesus in Matthew 5:43, which calls for believers to 'agape' their enemies, contrasting it with the Pharisaical interpretation of loving only one's neighbor and hating enemies. He explains that the Old Testament does not command hatred but rather love, and Jesus exemplifies this love through actions such as blessing those who curse us and praying for our persecutors. Smith highlights God's unconditional love as the ultimate model for us, urging believers to strive for perfection in love as God does. He concludes that to obey this command, one must detach from personal grievances and be filled with the Holy Spirit, as true love is a divine attribute that transcends human nature.