How many of you have a favorite passage of Scripture? How many of you have a passage of Scripture you really don’t like that much? Today’s passage is about loving your enemies, and I’ll admit that these verses are in my least favorite, “I really don’t want to do this” category.

Matthew 5:43–44
“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,….”

I like the first part about loving your neighbor and hating your enemy. I love hanging out with friends. That’s a good time. Joking around. Laughing. Investing in the lives of people you like. I can handle that. But that second part? Why would I want to give the time of day to someone out to get me? But there it is. Read the passage again. This is a hard teaching to meditate on and apply.

So, I have some things to talk to God about. Thinking about certain people causes my emotions, such as irritation, dislike, frustration, and even anger, to rise to the surface. These are individuals I’d rather not think about, but now I must have a conversation with God about them. Hey, no one said this would be easy! Following Christ is not a cakewalk but a journey of daily dependence all the way to eternity.

Father, I don’t want to love people who hurt me or hurt those I love. It is not in my nature. I want to obey you, but I will need your supernatural help. This is one more thing I can add to the list of “Things I Cannot Do on My Own.” Give me what I need to love and pray for my enemies. In Jesus’ name. Amen.