![]() ![]() But our citizenship is in heaven” (Philippians 3:18-20a). Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. He described the difference, from personal experience, to the Philippian church: “For, as I have often told you before and now say again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Paul went from being an enemy of God to a child of God through a personal encounter with Jesus. He understood that the followers of Jesus were not his enemies, as God gave him tremendous insight about his real enemy–Satan. ![]() But when God got Paul’s attention on the road to Damascus, which ultimately led to his salvation through Jesus, he grasped for the first time, the mercy of the Lord. A case could certainly be made that Paul considered all believers to be his enemies and vice versa. At one time, he persecuted the followers of Jesus, even casting his vote to have many put to death while he watched in approval. The Apostle Paul probably understood this concept more fully than any of the disciples or other believers. Therefore, we should recognize that behind our flesh and blood enemies ultimately Satan is at work. “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” (Ephesians 6:12). Scripture states that our chief enemy is Satan. Read, study, apply and pray the truths from God’s Word that your enemies might be drawn to Jesus’ kingdom. The Word of God instructs us to love them, praying that they might enter into His kingdom! Before reading any further, bring someone to mind whom you would consider to be your enemy. Although some may set themselves up as enemies against us, they are people in need of a saving relationship with Jesus and an understanding of His Lordship in their lives. We are to love all people regardless of how they treat us. “But I tell you who hear Me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you” (Luke 6:27-28).Ĭhoosing to love and pray for those who persecute or mistreat us mystifies unbelievers, and yet this is the lifestyle to which we are called by God. “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:43-45a). ![]()
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