Love Your Enemies 

And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption. Ephesians 4:30

Obedience often feels like doing our best to avoid making authorities angry. But when that authority loves you, disobedience actually makes them sad. When my kids disobeyed, I was saddened because I knew that their disobedience would hurt them in the long run.

Paul says our sin makes God sad. He knows the consequences of disobeying His Word. That’s why He made the rules in the first place!

To love Him is to obey. To obey is to love others.

First, check your heart.

Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Ephesians 4:31

Then replace those things with the following.

Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you. Ephesians 4:32

Forgive as Christ has forgiven you. (Remember the parable of the unforgiving servant from two weeks ago.) Show kindness and compassion. Respond kindly to people, regardless of how they speak to you.

Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude. Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will grant you his blessing. 1 Peter 3:8-9

How many people can you show kindness to this week?

Keep Seeking the Kingdom!

   Heather Penner
   Youth Ministries Director