Stories in this Section
Matthew 5:43-48
43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbour 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. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47 And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
Luke 6:27-28
27 “But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.
Loving your enemies is not only one of the most difficult things to do in life, but it goes against what everybody else does in the world. Yet, Jesus commanded us to do it.
In facing the challenges of life, admittedly I have often had to force myself to love my enemies. But little did I know that my obedience (done even in reluctance) would bring me right with God, causing Him to hear my prayers and to answer them in a most powerful way!
The stories in this section are my personal evidence that loving your enemies is indeed a powerful tool for effective prayer. It is no wonder Jesus commanded it - it is good for us, just as it is for our enemies; and those for whom we pray.
© Elma Larsen. All rights reserved.