“Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbor, and hate thine enemy. 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” (Matthew 5:43-44).

Jim and his family were moving to the church that asked him to be the pastor. Nestled in the rolling hills of farm country, this church had the reputation of a long-standing fight between two of the prominent families. No one could remember how the fight started a generation ago, but everyone knew the warring families surely kept the battle raging. Several pastoral candidates, because of this internal feud, rejected the invitation to come as the next pastor. Jim sensed the Lord’s leading to come in spite of the battles he would face. Within the first month of his pastorate, he asked for a meeting of the two families. After two hours of wrangling and accusations, Pastor Jim stood to his feet. Quietly he said, “I have earnestly asked you to forgive each other as Christian family. That hasn’t worked. Now by the authority of God’s Word and my office as your pastor, I command you to treat each other as enemies. Here’s what the Lord Jesus says to 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.” There was silence in the room. Everyone left. About three weeks later the Lord broke through to both families and many others as well. After responding to the invitation given in the morning service, an hour after the service ended, hugs, apologies, forgiveness and restoration continued to take place. It was quite a revival.  How about you? Is there anyone for whom you need to be praying?

For today: Is there someone that you should love as an enemy and even for whom you must pray?