But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.
This is the most lofty piece of morality ever given to man. This is one of the most difficult verses in the Bible. Has it appeared unreasonable and absurd to most? You bet it has. And why is that? Because it is human nature to avenge ourselves, and discourage those who discourage us. We will always find abundant excuses for our conduct in the repeated afflictions we receive from others. We, as humans, are naturally aggressive toward each other. But, this verse comes straight from the mouth of God. Therefore, not only are we supposed to obey the message in this verse, we are supposed to do so gladly and with a happy heart. We are supposed to love those who hate us and pray for those who persecute us. That’s a tall order for even the most righteous of Christians. In spite of the misery, discomfort, and frustration that our antagonists bring upon us, we are still expected to find it in our hearts to love them. Even when they cheat us, lie to us, steal from us, slander us, libel us, and harm us or our loved ones…we are supposed to love them. Loving your enemies and praying for those who persecute you will never be easy. However, human behavior, if repeated often enough, becomes habitual. The more often you follow these recommendations, the easier it will become to do so.
Spiritual Steve 