Love
“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 children of your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:43-5; NIV).
Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written, “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord (Romans 12:19; NIV).
If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head, and the LORD will reward you (Proverbs 25:21-2; NIV).
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good (Romans 12:21; NIV).
Father,
How can I love
People whose behaviour
Hurts me,
And makes me angry?
Of course!
The trick
Is to love them
Exactly as they are –
Rather than wishing
They would change!
Lord,
Please help me
To love those who hurt me,
To pray for them,
And show them kindness,
So I can overcome
Their hurtfulness
With good.
I ask this in Jesus’ holy name,
Amen.