You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy. But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:43-45
How do you handle being hurt, betrayed, or rejected?
James admits he cuts people out of his life forever while Maria says she tends to give second, third, and fourth chances but gets resentful. When hurt, we may confront, withdraw, or be more guarded in the future. The Bible tells us not to cast pearls to pigs, giving what’s deeply precious to us to those who can’t appreciate them (Matthew 7:6). There’s wisdom in assessing who is trustworthy in our lives!
But God displays the full scope of His unlimited goodness, and love in His remarkable vulnerability. Vulnerability sums up who the God of the Bible is and why His love is unlike any other. In the face of rejection, contempt and ridicule, Jesus opened His arms wide and gaves Himself without restraint.
Jesus taught this to His followers saying, “You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy. But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:43-45). Jesus invites us to follow Him, living with wisdom and vulnerability.
As you love someone undeserving, forgive someone who has wronged you or pray blessing for an enemy, ask God to help you freely give, as you freely receive His love, forgiveness, and generosity. This doesn’t mean you don’t wisely set boundaries with those who’ve shown themselves untrustworthy. But you’re invited by God to leave behind spitefulness, revenge, and bitterness. This is the new way Jesus modeled for us. God promises that when we yield to Him in this vulnerable love, His mighty power can work in our lives beyond what we can even imagine! (Philippians 3:10-11)
