How can one love an Enemy

Psalm 24:5-10

“He will receive blessing from the LORD and righteousness from the God of his salvation.  Such is the generation of those who seek him, who seek the face of the God of Jacob.  Lift up your heads, O gates!  And be lifted up, O ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in.  Who is this King of glory?  The LORD, strong and mighty, the LORD, mighty in battle!  Lift up your heads, O gates!

And lift them up, O ancient doors that the King of glory may come in.  Who is this King of glory?  The LORD of hosts, he is the King of glory!”

As we go back to verse four, we understand that a person in right standing with God is the one that will receive the blessing from the Lord.  But it is not by their merit but God’s grace and mercy and the faith He has given us to believe on His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ.  Aren’t you glad it does not depend on your actions, but on God’s goodness, for often I fall short of seeking His face, of looking to God in my business, and daily life?

David often used poetic language, and it seems he is not referring to the gates of heaven but a mighty warrior King, whose name is Yahweh, you and I refer to Him as our Father in Heaven.

There is not a doubt that heaven is my home, and it is not because of my good works, but because Jesus told me in His word that He is going to prepare a place for me. I often find I fall short when it comes to my prayer life of asking the King of glory to go into the hearts of people I’ve never met, and those whose actions show they hate my Lord and His Father.  But that is not what Jesus ask of me, read all about it in Matthew 5:44-48, “But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 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.  If you love those who love you, what reward will you get?  Are not even the tax collectors doing that?  And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that?   Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” 

My many brothers and sisters, when you send out hate-filled things about a person who desires to destroy our freedom in the USA is that showing love?  I’ve been guilty of doing so in the past, it is a choice to follow Jesus and pray for the person and ask Jesus to show you how He loves us, for at one time we were His enemy.

From the Back Porch,

Bob Rice