How can we even think about forgiving them except for this verse "Father, forgive them, they know not what they do." (Luke 23:34) These people are being influenced or blinded by satan. They don't know what they are doing. God doesn't condone sin, but He forgives people. Separate that person from their sin. Put their sin on the cross for Jesus to deal with, now you are free to forgive that person... When you do that, it lifts that heaviness off of you.
When I come across situations that seem to be more trying than others, I ask God for his help with his spiritual armor for His spiritual shield to repel the darts and attacks of the enemy, for his spiritual breastplate to protect my heart, for his spiritual helmet to protect my mind, and to walk in his shoes of love and peace - (it really helps) . Try it.
Dear Lord, we ask for your supernatural help to be able to love our enemies. To pray for them instead of cursing them. To love them even if they hate us and make us physically sick. Let them know that it's the light of your love that brings about change, not force, embarrassment or manipulation. Please help us more Lord to walk in your Love & Peace, in Jesus name, amen.
(Matthew 5:43-48 , Luke 6:27-36 )
Love for Enemies (Matthew 5:43-48)
43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor[a] and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be children of your Father in heaven.
Luke 6:27-36
[27] "But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, [28] bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. [29] If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also. If someo...ne takes your cloak, do not stop him from taking your tunic. [30] Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. [31] Do to others as you would have them do to you.
32] "If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' love those who love them. [33] And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' do that. [34] An...d if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' lend to 'sinners,' expecting to be repaid in full. [35] But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. [36] Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.
(following comments taken from "Love Your Enemies" (Luke 6:27-36) by Dr. Ralph F. Wilson)
Jesus uses four very strong action words in these verses:
Greek agapao -- love your enemies
Greek poimeo kalos -- do good to those who hate you.
Greek eulogoeo -- to speak well of
Greek proseuchomai -- to pray for, to intercede for.
Do good.
When you find a way you can do something good for one of your worst enemies, do it. Not to shame him, but because you are trying to find it in your own evil heart to love him for Jesus' sake.
Bless.
When you think of the person who is slandering you, and saying untrue and nasty things about you, find ways to work blessing into your thoughts. Speak a blessing out loud. When you are with friends, instead of complaining about your unjust treatment, go out of your way (actively) to speak well of your enemies. Why? To shame them? No -- though it will. But to find it in your own heart to love them.
Pray. Intercede.
When you're praying, you probably pray for your family and your pastor, and your friends and family. Why don't you begin to pray and intercede for your enemies. Actively. Start to ask God to help them. Ask God to heal the hurts in their lives that are some of the motivators of their evil actions. Ask God to bless them and show mercy to them. Why? To shame them? No, in order to find it in your heart to love them.
And if you'll do good when you find opportunities, and bless when you think of them, and pray and intercede earnestly before the Lord, you'll find that God will begin to put love in your heart toward your enemies. Actual love. Sometimes loving emotions, too.
