Think for a moment—has someone really hurt you? Someone whose name stirs up anger or pain? Maybe there’s more than one. Jesus gives us a surprising command: “But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:44–45). Why? Because hate traps us in darkness: “But anyone who hates a brother or sister is in the darkness… they do not know where they are going” (1 John 2:11). Hate also cuts us off from forgiveness: “But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins” (Matthew 6:15). But love—love unlocks something divine. “God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit” (Romans 5:5). That person you’re holding pain or bitterness toward—pause and pray for them. Even just a few words. This is how we walk in light. This is how we live as true children of God. Open Bible – bit.ly/Mat5v44-45, bit.ly/1Jo2v11, bit.ly/Mat6v15, /bit.ly/rom5-5 (Nicky B)
