“We Must Have Compassion For Our Enemies, Even When They Hurt Us”

Luke 6:27-32

Compassion is defined as a feeling of deep sympathy and sorrow for another; empathy; mercy; grace; kindness; consideration.

Loving our enemies starts on the inside. Before we can show any outward display of loving our enemies there must first be an inward transformation. In other words, if we can’t love someone who is against us, the problem is because of what is inside us. The other person is not the problem. This can only flow from a heart that has been transformed by the love of God and the power of the Holy Spirit. Now Stephen, a man full of God’s grace and power, performed great wonders and signs among the people. He was stoned to death for preaching the truth to the Sanhedrin. While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Then he fell on his knees and cried out, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” When he had said this, he fell asleep. Why was Stephen able to do this? Because he was a man full of the Holy Spirit. His life had been transformed on the inside. Be first to forgive. Be the first to show love, even when you feel like they don’t deserve it. Be first to show kindness even if the person is not very nice. Because this is what Jesus did and by doing this we truly reflect His character. 

I come by this morning to let you know, regardless of how the enemy treat us, talk about us, lie on us, scandalizes our name, we’re going love them, pray for them and treat them with kindness. When we display this type of love to our enemies, we are showing them Jesus. We are showing that we are different than the world. And that my friends, is what being salt and light are all about. Be bless and I love you!!! JE