Mat 5v44-45 – Not a normal love

Mat 5v44-45 – Not a normal love

“Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vows “mighty vengeance” against Hamas“(BBC). “But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Jesus – Matthew 5:44). It’s hard to comprehend these two sentences together. After the violence perpetrated on innocent people in Israel, our natural response is vengeance. But God says he is the avenger – “It is mine to avenge; I will repay” (Deuteronomy 32:35). We are not called to vengeance but to “love your enemies”. Jesus didn’t only speak these words; he lived them. The most innocent person ever is beaten and nailed to a cross. Yet he had the power to call legions of angels to unleash vengeance on the perpetrators. Instead, he prays – “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34). You’re right if you think “this is not natural ”. It isn’t natural, it’s supernatural. This type of love and forgiveness is God’s divine love. This is God’s spirit-gifted love – “The fruit of the Spirit is love” (Galatians 5:22). This is the love we are called to so ”that you may be children of your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:45). Please, Lord, fill me with your divine love, when it seems so impossible. Open Bible – http://bit.ly/Mat5v44-45, http://bit.ly/Deu32v35, http://bit.ly/Luk23v34, https://bit.ly/gal5v22 (Nicky B)