Because we’re good at loving certain people in our world, we think we’re loving people.

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor 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. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
Matthew 5:43-48

Bottom Line

Difficult people reveal how loving you actually are.

Loving our enemies doesn’t mean we ignore injustice. It helps us not create more injustice in our response to injustice.

“If we could read the secret history of our enemies, we should find in each man's life sorrow and suffering enough to disarm all hostility.”
- Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

How to pray for your enemies:

1. Pray what you’re feeling
2. Pray that God would transform your heart
3. Pray that God would help you them the way He sees them
4. Pray that God would give you wisdom

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.
Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 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. On the contrary:
“If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Romans 12:14-21

Action Steps

Create some space with Jesus to pray through the following:

• Who are my enemies? Who do I habitually find myself in antagonistic interactions with?
• What about these interactions and relationships makes love difficult?

Practice

• Pray for you enemies this week
• (if appropriate) Take the next Spirit directed step towards love this week
• If you have someone you are 75% sure you’ll be in an adversarial dynamic with this week, create a plan for how you’ll respond in love