LOVE YOUR ENEMIES (Luke 6.27 - 41)

"But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who mistreat you. If anyone hits you on one cheek, let him hit the other one too; If someone takes your coat, let him take your shirt as well. Give to everyone who asks you for something, and when someone takes what is yours do not ask for it back. Do for others just what you want them to do for you. "If you love only the people who love you, why should you recieve a blessing? Even sinners love those who love them! And if you do good to only those who do good to you, why should you recieve a blessing? Even sinners do that! If you lend only to those from whom you hope to get it back, why should you recieve a blessing? Even sinners do that! Even sinners lend to sinners, to get back the same amount. No! Love your enemies and do good to them; lend and expect nothing back. You then will have a greater reward from the Most High God. For He is good to the ungrateful and the wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful." This is a difficult set of instructions to follow, especially in this day and age. The world today is so full of agressionthat it's difficult to remember just who and what we are so we can follow in Jesus' footsteps. But that doesn't mean we can't do it. All we need is a little strength, and some help from our Father in Heaven. Forgiveness, Faith, Love and Generousity are four of the most powerful weapons of the Christian soldier. I demonstrated that earlier. I was spreding God's message in a Vampire: The Masquerade chat room. A man with the nickname "Plague" decided to try to anger me to the point of retaliation, so he could accuse me of hypocracy. So I sent him a private message that read: "For days now you've been trying to upset me, hoping I'll turn away from my Father for the purpose of revenge. But in that time I've gotten to know how you work. Instigation is your only weapon, and it's all you know how to do." Then I said to him, "I'm going to do something that I know will get rid of you for a long, long time. I'm going to forgive you. Everything you've ever done to degrade me, my family, and my race has been completely wiped from my mind. And I'll pray for you." He was so stunned at this powerful display of love that he and I are now very good friends. Try it... IIt really does work, and makes for a better world.