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Relationships

Day 10: Making Him the King over Our Enemies
Scripture: 1 John 4:7-8; Ephesians 4:29-32

Loving those who love us is easy, but what about those who challenge us, hurt us, or feel like strangers in our lives? Jesus calls us to love not just our friends and family but also our enemies and those we may not know. He told us to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us, then did it on the cross by forgiving those who were killing Him. He proved that we can love others regardless of how they treat us.

1 John 4:7-8 reminds us that love is not just an action; it is the very nature of God: "Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God because God is love." Loving others, even when it is difficult, is a reflection of His nature. When we withhold love, we distance ourselves from God's heart.

Ephesians 4 further challenges us in how we interact with others, especially those who may have wronged us. Paul writes, "Forgive others just as God through Christ forgave you." We are called to put away bitterness, anger, and slander and instead show kindness, compassion, and forgiveness. This tenderheartedness does not mean ignoring wrongdoing, but it does mean responding with grace rather than retaliation.

Putting God first in our love for enemies and strangers means choosing to see others as He does. It means extending grace where the world expects revenge. We should be intentional about speaking life when the world tears us down. We should remember that every person, whether friend, enemy, or stranger, is someone God loves and desires to redeem.

Our enemies are temporary adversaries who are simultaneously created by God and loved as deeply as He loves you. When you make Christ the number one priority, He will help you deal with those you struggle against. Take time today to reflect on how you love those difficult to love. Do your words and actions reflect God's heart? Ask Him to give you the strength to love as He loves, forgive as He forgives, and witness His grace to those around you.

Prayer:
Father, you are love. Teach me to love as you do, even when it is hard. Help me to forgive those who have hurt me and to show kindness to those I do not know. Let my words bring life, and my actions reflect your heart. May I be a vessel of your love in every relationship. It is in the name of Jesus we pray, amen.