Outside the example of Jesus, this command makes no sense at all. But Jesus shows us the importance of leaving our destiny in the hands of our Creator and Father. Suddenly, this makes perfect sense. What is the best way to defeat an enemy? Certainly, it's not to beat or kill that person. No, the way we defeat our enemies is by having Jesus' grace capture their hearts, having their character conform to that of our King, and having them join us as we live for the Lord! That's the way we defeat our enemies; we bring them to Jesus, and they become our brothers and sisters in Christ.
Video Commentary...
We've included Phil's ToGather video from four years ago as an added blessing to our verse today:
Loving and gracious God, please soften my heart and toughen my resolve so I can love as Jesus loved. Make my life redemptive, especially to those who oppose, abhor, ridicule, belittle, and hate me. Use me, dear Father, to bring others to the grace of Jesus. In his name, I pray. Amen.
"Dear Father, forbearing God, Let me rejoice in the Lord always! Again I ask this from you: Let me rejoice always! Let me be gentle, open to reason,....."
"Just think of all the Scriptures that will come true in what we do! For instance: Then I'll join outsiders in a hymn-sing; I'll sing to your name! And..."
"Dear Beloved,
As My apostle Paul's death grew near, he was confident of his deliverance as well as My return. Hear his beautiful words of faith:For I..."
"Instead, take the lowest place at the foot of the table. Then when your host sees you, he will come and say, ‘Friend, we have a better place for you!’..."
About This Devotional
Today's Verse is a free daily devotional that includes a Bible verse, thought and prayer.
The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.
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