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, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? Therefore, you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect. Matthew 5:43-48
John Wesley was an evangelist in early Colonial America before the Revolutionary War. He was returning home from a service one night and was stopped by a thief. The thief, however, found his victim to have only a little money and some Christian literature. As the bandit was leaving, Wesley called out, “Stop! I have something more to give you.” The surprised robber paused. “My friend,” said Wesley, “you may live to regret this sort of life. If you ever do, here’s something to remember: The blood of Jesus Christ cleanses us from all sin! The thief hurried away, and Wesley prayed that his words might bear fruit. Years later, Wesley was greeting people after a Sunday service when he was approached by a stranger. What a surprise to learn that this visitor, now a believer in Christ as a successful businessman, was the one who had robbed him years before! The former thief said, “I owe it all to you.” Wesley responded, “Oh no, my friend, not to me, but to the precious blood of Christ that cleanses us from all sin!”
This is why we love those who persecute us, despise us, look down on us or treat us badly; namely, that they may come to faith in Christ through our testimony in both word and deed. How are you doing?
Ike Graham