Matthew 5:44 — But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.
Explanation: Enemy-love is the scandal of the kingdom. Anyone can love the agreeable, but Christ calls us to mirror His mercy by extending grace even to our enemies.
Enemy-love proves we belong to the Father.
Prayer transforms bitterness into intercession.
The cross is the pattern for mercy.
Poem — “Love Beyond Reason”
A curse rises and a blessing answers.
A wound stings and forgiveness flows.
A prayer ascends where anger once ruled.
A face once feared becomes a soul to seek.
A heart learns to echo the mercy of Christ.
The cross still speaks in hostility.
The pierced hands stretch wider than grudges.
The crown of thorns silences revenge.
The blood of Jesus redefines justice.
The kingdom grows where love offends pride.
Enemies do not erase the image of God.
Opponents remain objects of grace.
Hatred meets a power it cannot explain.
Kindness unsettles cruelty with hope.
Mercy proves that Christ lives in His people.
Prayer: Father, I confess how quickly I withhold love from those who wound me. Break the cycle of resentment and free me from the prison of bitterness. Teach me to pray where I would rather strike back.
Lord Jesus, help me love enemies the way You loved me when I opposed You. Let my reactions reflect the cross, and may even my hardest relationships become opportunities for Your glory. Amen.
