June 21, 2023
Topic: DOING GOOD TO ALL – Giving to those who hate us
Text: Romans 12:20-21, Matthew 5:44
Memory Verse: Luke 6:35 (NKJV): “But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High. For He is kind to the unthankful and evil.”
Recently, Nigeria has been plagued with various forms of insecurity, ranging from terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and other forms of criminality. These issues have caused a lot of pain, loss, and damage to individuals and communities. It is natural to feel anger, bitterness, and hatred towards those who have caused us harm. However, as believers, we are called to a higher standard of living that goes beyond our natural human tendencies. We are called to love our enemies, do good to them, and give to them without expecting anything in return.
It might seem counter intuitive to give to those who hate us, but this is what the Bible instructs us to do. When we show kindness to our enemies, we not only demonstrate the love of God but also leave room for God to work in their hearts. Giving to those who hate us, is not just about meeting their physical needs, but also about showing them the love of Christ. It is about being a channel of blessings to them, just as God has been a channel of blessings to us.
As we strive to do good to all, including our enemies, we must rely on the power of the Holy Spirit. It takes a lot of courage and strength to show love and kindness to those who hate us, but with God’s help, we can do all things. Let us not be overcome by evil but let us overcome evil with good.
Prayer: Dear Lord, we pray for grace to love our enemies, to do good to them, and give to them without expecting anything in return. We pray for strength, courage, and wisdom to demonstrate your love in a world that is filled with hate and bitterness, Amen.