Jesus says in John 15:18 “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first." I need to think on this a bit. I need to pray on this. I need to resolve a long long conflict in me about those who hate me more than they love their own. I have tried my way to always bow out, to stay out of the way, to love those who love me instead and to "handle" this as needed and only when needed. But I am not evolving. I have hit a stalemate. Well that's not good! The most important thing to me is to be closer to Jesus and so this protective wall has to go.
Oh but.... oh dear... oh but...and my mind fills with each and every ill mannered speak, thoughtless gestures, self centered egos and and and and and... And then Jesus says in Matthew 5:41 "If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. 42 Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you. 43 You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47 And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect."
Oh I cannot do this on my own. Too much has happened. It is just too much Lord. To which He replied in my Word, in Isaiah 43:2 I promised you "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you."
To which I replied "oh so you have met them".
And then I hear "And I love them too. Now do the same in Me."
Blessings! and looking forward to seeing you on the other side.
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