I’ve decided to make Tuesday’s “Tip” day. Each Tuesday I’ll give a tip on a variety of subjects such as
· how to study or apply God’s Word
· how to overcome fear
· how to prepare a talk
· how to pin point a gossip
· how write a devotional or a proposal
· how to love your spouse
· how to keep sane when your child becomes a teen
· how to tell the difference between a good melon and a bad one
· where to go on vacation
· how to get your husband to take you on vacation
· how to recognize God’s Presence in our daily lives
· how to get rid of ants by using Windex
· how to live with hope when everything seems hopeless
So what’s today’s Tuesday tip? I’m glad you asked. Here it is…
Tuesday Tip: Love Your Enemy
The bible commands that we not only love our enemies but pray for them as well. Look at Matt 5:43-44, “You’ve heard that it was said, “love your neighbor and hate your enemies.” But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who hurt you.”
Wow! That’s some hard stuff to obey, is it not? I find it easy to pray for those I love. The hard part is finding the time. But praying for my enemies. I’d rather run over them with my car.
Don’t judge me. Like you’d do something different.
If you’re like me, praying for our enemies is an entirely different matter than praying for our friends. Like it or not, God says do it. He’s not testing our ability to do something difficult. No. God commands us to love, pray for and forgive our enemies for our own good.
He knows that He has already forgiven you and me, and now, He wants us to do likewise. Besides, hating our brother and sister is not damaging them. We are damaging ourselves. Holding a grudge is like mixing poison for your enemy but drinking it yourself.
I’ve found if I’m obedient to God’s Word and pray for my enemies first, then my heart eventually catches up. Some of my best friends use to be my foes. Imagine that!
If you can’t seem to forgive someone, pray for that person as long as it takes until, with God’s help, He removes the poison of bitterness from your heart.
Donna says
Micca,
Thank you for Tuesday's Tip. I look forward to reading them! Today's tip is a tough one as it is not easy to love and pray for our enemies. As you said "I’d rather run over them with my car." It is a battle with our flesh to love them. I like what you said "I’ve found if I’m obedient to God’s Word and pray for my enemies first, then my heart eventually catches up. " This is so true!
Blessings to you and your family!
Jill says
gMicca,
I'm looking forward to reading more wonderful tips in the future! Love your insight and your personal touch of humor as well!! Pray things are going well for you, Jill
Shelly says
Whoa! Did the "Tuesday Tip" have to be such a difficult one?!?! ; )
Micca, thank you for being transparent about your own feelings and encouraging all of us to pray for our enemies. I needed that reminder today!
Forgiveness seems to be the hardest thing to do… but man, does it set us free!
I appreciate your blog and the words you share!
Keep up the awesome work!
Shelly Cantrell
http://shellysc.blogspot.com/
Cindy in PA says
I love the idea of Tuesdays being Tip Days! I laughed when I read that you'd rather run your enemies over with a car. Yet you know that if you pray for them, your heart will soon follow. I've lived through this lesson and it's always one I should be reminded of. Thanks!
Carla says
Micca,
I truly appreciated your message on the crumbling cookie. God's been teaching me that it's good when I'm afflicted because then I can learn more about Him and His Word. He may not remove the thorn, but He will give me strength to endure. And nothing can separate me from His love.
In Christ,
Carla