how to become our own worst enemies
“My command to you is: love your enemies, pray for your persecutors. This will prove that you are sons of your heavenly Father.” —Matthew 5:44-45
The Lord commands us to “observe His statutes, commandments and decrees, and to hearken to His voice” (Dt 26:17). If we obey Him, He will raise us “high in praise and renown and glory” and we “will be a people sacred to the Lord” (Dt 26:19). But if we do not obey the Lord, we do not love Him (Jn 15:10; 1 Jn 5:3), and if we do not love Him, we are doomed. Therefore, we must obey the Lord, even if we have to suffer and die to do it.
One of the Lord’s commands is: “Love your enemies” (Mt 5:44). Obviously, this command is humanly impossible to obey. Only God Who is Love (see 1 Jn 4:16) can love anyone, especially enemies. Consequently, we must ask God to give us His divine power to love our enemies. We must accept this grace because unless we love our enemies, we are not obeying God and therefore not loving Him.
Prayer: Father, thank You for the grace of forgiving and loving enemies.
Promise: “In a word, you must be made perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect.” —Mt 5:48
Praise: For many years, Cheryl has volunteered her musical ability to teach new seminarians how to sing and chant the liturgical praises of God.
Reference: (For a related teaching on Love, listen to, download or order our CD 58-1 or DVD 58 on our website.)
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