Devotionals
When a man's ways are pleasing to the Lord, he makes even his enemies live at peace with him. Proverbs 16:7 (NIV)
Since moving to our new home it soon became clear that our neighbors were going to be difficult. Music blared, dogs barked and traffic at all hours, there was never any peace. At first we asked if they could please quiet things down, but it soon became apparent that they were not interested in living peaceably and we were forced to keep them at a distance.
Their lifestyle choices and values differed greatly from ours, and soon we allowed ourselves to believe that we were in fact 'better' than they were. However warped that thinking was, I knew that as a Christian I was to pray for my enemies. So piously I prayed thinking that would be enough. But each day, especially Sundays as we left for church, I was confronted with my attitudes.
Frustrated I prayed, "God isn't it enough to pray for them. Don't you love your servant?" As soon as I spoke it I knew the answer. It had been my love for my neighbors that was missing.
As I searched the scriptures I came across Jesus' response to the Pharisees commanding them to "love your neighbor as yourself." I had not loved, and Jesus meant this commandment for my good, as well as my neighbors.
Prayer: Dear Lord, open my heart to love those you have placed in my life, not just those I would choose. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Love as Jesus loves
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