KEY SCRIPTURE: Heb 12:3 KJV “For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.”

Our Lord Jesus indeed had a contradiction of sinners who stood against Him, opposed Him, and even attacked Him in the long run. What was His attitude towards these people? The Lord Jesus showed His philosophy about various aspects of life in the teachings He gave to His disciples and the multitude that thronged His meetings. This is what He said about those who hated Him.

Matt 5:44 KJV “But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;”

The Lord did not only teach these things but he demonstrated them when he was opposed and even attacked. One thing we realised in His dealings with those who constantly tried to get Him to err against the Roman administration and subsequently arrested for judgment. On a number of occasions knowing very well that these people asked Himquestionss to implicate Him, He was not once found angry at them. Most of the time He wisely answered them and they left bewildered.  On one occasion they came to Him asking, is it lawful to give tribute to Caesar? Matt 22:17. The Lord asked for a coin and asked them whose image is on it. They said, Caesar. Then He told them render unto Caesar that which is Caesar, and to God that which is God’s. He was never hostile toward any of them.

During the moments of His passion, He came under great oppression. The first act He did was to restore the chopped-off ear of one of His assailants. Matt 26:51.,52. On the cross, in the moment of pain and deep stress, He did not yell at the criminal who asked Him to save himself and save them. He did not respond to the words of the man who spoke harshly to Him He answered the man who asked for mercy. He even asked the Father to forgive all who were attacking Him. Luke 23:34 KJV “Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.”

Dear one what is your attitude to those who demonstrate they do not like you? Jesus is our grand example and must always go His way.

CONFESSION

I am born from above, with the father’s righteousness and His love. I live to bring glory to His name; and so I take every opportunity to show His love, humility, and blessing toward all persons.

THOUGHT: LOVE IS ALWAYS STRONGER THAN HATE.

FURTHER STUDIES

Matt 5:48 KJV Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

Matt 5:44 46 KJV” But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?”