Respond with Love
“I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you.” Matthew 5:44 (NKJV)
When our slate is clean, we don’t usually think about loving our enemies. All is right with our little world—until it’s not. Then we find ourselves indulging in judgement, stress, and even resentment. We’ve all had these ‘What did I do?’ experiences. Yet His words to us, while difficult, are very clear. Heidi Gaul (Mornings with Jesus) shares a message that all of us need to read.
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My husband and I had been members of a community group, where our friendship with a woman blossomed. Then one day, I realized that when I waved hello or spoke to the woman, whom I considered a friend, something had changed. I had no idea what I’d done or said to anger her, and when I tried to ask, she walked away. My emotions moved from confusion to hurt to indignation. I lay awake at night, assuring myself I had every right to be miffed.
Then Jesus gently reminded me it’s better to respond with love, trusting God to work things through His timing and to His glory. After that, whenever thoughts of my past friend crossed my mind, I prayed—both for her well-being and for my spirit of forgiveness. It proved difficult at first, but over time, those prayers flowed with genuine caring. Jesus had healed my hurt.
This week while running errands, I noticed her and called out a quick hello. As I searched the shelves for an item, she approached me, behaving as if there’d never been a problem. We chatted for a few minutes, then went our separate ways, smiling. None of the past troubles seemed to remain.
I don’t pretend to understand the whys and hows behind what happened. Like a child, I choose to leave those burdens to a bigger heart and greater wisdom—Jesus. I’m satisfied to simply walk lightly where Jesus led me, on the path of forgiveness.
FAITH STEP: Consider a relationship you struggle with. Pray daily for that person’s well-being, and trust Jesus for healing as you accept and forgive.
Heavenly Father, thank You for forgiving us. Help us to forgive others with the same kind of love that You have shown to us. AMEN.